Music and original English text composed by Wayne Senior, Latin text from a Gregorian responsory O Magnum Mysterium, Te Reo poetic translation of Latin text by Hori Rawhiti, 'Summer Christmas’ speaks in evocative settings of things relevant to New Zealand referencing beach scenes, the warmth of the summer sun, native birds, the mighty Kauri and ‘our very own Christmas tree’ the iconic Pohutukawa, whilst drawing comparisons with winter Christmas in ‘cooler climes’ (e.g. 'no chestnuts roasting on an open fire’, ‘No snow, lying fresh and crisp and even in the street,) and a new setting of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ in Latin with alternating lines in English and Te Reo Māori closing with a choral representation of church bells.Although it's a song about Christmas it can be sung any time of the year. Special thanks to Matthew Curtis from Choral Tracks who sang all the parts - Soprano to Bass.
