British culture today is the product of a shifting combination of tradition and experimentation, national identity and regional and ethnic diversity. These distinctive tensions are expressed in a range of cultural arenas, such as art, sport, journalism, fashion, education, and race. This Companion addresses these and other major aspects of British culture, and offers a sophisticated understanding of what it means to study and think about the diverse cultural landscapes of contemporary Britain. Each contributor looks at the language through which culture is formed and expressed, the political...

Featuring new essays along with Higgins best speeches, Renewing the Republic explores six themes: citizenship and the republic; culture, identity and reputation; human rights; language; globalization, emigration and exile; and the public space. These topics are not only socially cultivating but also set the stage and platform for his presidential election."

for SSSSAATBB unaccompanied In this haunting arrangement of the well-known carol, Higgins creates a mystical soundscape by layering a single motif in a four-part soprano canon. These repetitions echo throughout and support the various textures explored in each verse, producing a dramatic and atmospheric setting of the Basque carol. Suitable for chamber and concert choir.

for SATB and piano or harp Higgins's arrangement of Away in a manger is beautiful and delicate. The first verse is taken by unison upper voices; the second is a cappella, with a soloist (or small group) on the melody accompanied by sustained 'ooh's; and the last verse features fresh, homophonic harmonies. The piano/harp accompaniment twinkles gently around the voices, contributing towards the magical character of the arrangement.

for SATB unaccompanied With a text by Thomas Campion, View me, Lord is a tender prayer characterized by its sensitive text-setting. Each verse features a change in voicing, rhythm, and harmony, while the ever-changing metre provides a feeling of fluidity. The tension built throughout the work is finally resolved in the last chord, bringing this contemplative anthem to a peaceful close.

for SABar(B) and piano Higgins's setting explores the vibrant, natural imagery in Rossetti's text with flowing melodic lines and warm harmonies. The elegant piano accompaniment is characterised throughout by quick demisemiquaver flourishes, as though painting an aural portrait of the 'singing bird'. First published in The Oxford Book of Flexible Choral Songs.

for SABar and piano Higgins's arrangement of the popular German carol is given a modern twist with fresh harmonies, but still captures the gentleness and tranquility found in more traditional settings. Supported by sustained 'oo's and 'ah's throughout, the well-known melody is underpinned by a delicate piano accompaniment, with an optional unaccompanied middle section.

for SSA and piano Higgins's setting of this popular folk song is simple and wistful, particularly well-suited for children's and youth choirs. With delicate quaver flourishes, the piano accompaniment flows gently alongside the vocal lines, creating suspensions that reflect the mysterious demands of the narrator. Originally published in The Oxford Book of Flexible Choral Songs for three-part choir.