Featuring the text of the ESV Bible (English Standard Version), renowned Scottish composer and conductor James MacMillan's Since It Was the Day of Preparation had its world premiere Wednesday, Aug 22, at the Edinburgh International Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The choral piece was co-commissioned by Crossway, publisher of the ESV, and Soli Deo Gloria in collaboration with the Scottish government's Edinburgh Music Festival Expo Fund and The Binks Trust. MacMillan's hour-long chamber work centers on the figure of Christ, with Synergy Vocals, renowned bass vocalist Brindley Sherratt and the Hebrides Ensemble.

MacMillan used the ESV Bible to retell the greatest story ever told in the piece.

"When I finished writing the Passion at the point where Christ dies, my mind turned immediately to the next bit of text, opening with the words 'since it was the day of preparation,' " MacMillan said. "The challenge was to pick up the story again and take it right through to the resurrection."

The Edinburgh International Festival, which started Aug. 9 and runs through Sept. 2, spotlights the world's best in music, opera, theater and dance.

Click here for more information on MacMillan's Since It Was the Day of Preparation. 

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