In its first CD-release, the Simon Phipps Vocal ensemble performs music written entirely by the greatest English 20:th century composer, Benjamin Britten. This is a tribute to the composer whose music influenced Simon Phipps already at an early age; his father was Britten's agent. Britten's immensely rich and varied choral production is reflected on this CD that spans from beauty to drama. The CD contains some of the composer's most acknowledged compositions like A Hymn to the Virgin, Five Flower Songs and Hymn to Saint Cecilia, as well as the great suit Sacred and Profane with its vibrating vocals and racy medieval lyrics. It also contains the vocally challenging suit Choral Dances from the opera Gloriana. Enjoy Britten's music performed by Simon Phipps' excellent Vocal ensemble on this edition of Benjamin Britten's choral music.

Simon Phipps Vocal Ensemble was formed in 1997. Most of the 26 singers have a professional background in music, and several of them are working as musicians in and around Goteborg. The ensemble was named Choir of the Year 2006 by Rikskonserter. During the last few years Simon Phipps Vocal Ensemble has established itself as one of Sweden's most prominent choirs. By winning a number of competitions, both nationally and around Europe, it has consolidated its position as an ensemble with a high quality of sound and a particular depth of repertoire. Sacre et Profane consists of choir music by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963), with lyrics by great French poets such as Paul Eluard and Guillaume Apollinaire. Poulenc is perhaps primarily regarded as a composer of vocal works: solo songs, choir music, oratories and operas, music that he set to lyrics of a high literary quality. Simon Phipps Vocal Ensemble has previously made a recording of music by Benjamin Britten (FRCD 006). A third CD is in the making, and will include works by Johannes Brahms. These three records reflect the composers' interpretations of both sacred and secular lyrics. Thus their common designation 'sacred and secular'.