Exmoor Singers was delighted to be commissioned by composer Philip Godfrey to record his poignant setting of Christina Rossetti's well-loved poem 'When I am dead, my dearest, sing no sad songs for me' so that it could feature on BBC Radio 3's Private Passions.

Alwyn Lishman, Emeritus Professor of Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, London, chose Philip's setting as of one the pieces to be played during his interview with programme presenter Michael Berkeley. The programme was broadcast on 14 August 2005.

Exmoor Singers first performed Godfrey's 'Song' in May 2002 in the inaugral concert of the choir's sounds: voices of our time project, which was given in the Purcell Room in the South Bank Centre, London.

Philip Godfrey is a freelance musician living in London, dividing his time mainly between composing and teaching.

His music is frequently performed and has recently been heard at such venues as Symphony Hall, Birmingham; St Paul's Cathedral, the Purcell Room and St John's Smith Square, London; and on BBC Radio and Classic FM.

Philip studied music at Cambridge University where he was an organ scholar and musical director of the Footlights. He is influenced not only by the 'classical' repertoire but also by popular and theatre music.

Philip Godfrey - Song