World Music Selections

These two traditional Sesotho songs fit beautifully together with sacred texts and call-and-response techniques between the soloists and the choir. Varying in tempo, Tshela Moya is slower with a

Here's a traditional isiZulu celebratory song expressing thankfulness to God for walking beside us. A soloist is present throughout most of the call-and-response arrangement, and the choral harmonies vary

This celebratory African song is a Kenyan Samia/Banyala victory song traditionally performed during wrestling matches. Over time, the context changed to include the celebration of any form of success,

Traditionally sung to celebrate a victory by a group of winners in a competition, this South African "bragging" song is tons of fun to sing. In five parts throughout, with the first sopranos taking the call

Based on a traditional Hawaiian chant with original music, this rousing work for advanced treble choirs brings all the drama of a volcanic eruption normally associated with destruction. But in Hawaiian

This Malay folk song about a pony fish has a short melody made up of only four notes, but the song is brought to life by the expressions and metaphors in the poem. The body percussion, movement, and descant

This beautiful contemporary a cappella concert work is an original composition by the Latvian composer. Translated as "Silver Moon," the Latvian or singable English lyrics compare the moon and its phases to

A cheerful folk song proclaiming "Sing, daughters!" is arranged in a contemporary a cappella style by a Latvian woman composer and member of the Latvian Singers, for whom this was originally set. Brimming

This tremendously fun arrangement of a South African greeting song exclaims, "Iyo hlonolofatsa, Ka lebitso la ntate," which translates as, "Bless everything in the name of the Father." Featuring a soloist,

Serving as an unofficial anthem, this beloved Korean folk song is creatively set by one of Korea's top female composers. This arrangement begins with beautiful, flowing unison vocal lines and simple

Celebrating the relationship between Estonian and Latvian folk music, this was written in honor of Estonia's 100th anniversary. This contemporary a cappella setting for mixed voices features a fresh vibe,

Fasten your seatbelts for this showstopper! From Haiti, this piece is an excellent festival selection for advanced choirs. It tells a tale of three drums in playful competition through a text by Louis Marie

Here's a dynamic song about joy for more advanced choirs. It expresses how joyfulness can exist even in the midst of trial and tribulation. The choral texture is divisi with full harmonies that ring out in

This tremendous work will make a fantastic concert opener! The dramatic solo opening is followed by an up-tempo traditional-style choral arrangement of this South African song with djembe and handclaps.

The isiZulu and Sesotho languages of South Africa are utilized in this traditional song that illustrates the idea of the joy of an eternal home. This arrangement uses repetition and call and response,

Moving and dynamic, this largely traditional arrangement of a South African song uses both the isiZulu and Sesotho languages to speak of the hope that can be found in God. Alto and tenor solos add great

A tremendously fun arrangement by South African musicians Michael Barrett and Mbuso Ndlovu. This celebratory isiZulu song is a quick learn that will pay dividends for audiences and choirs! Add percussion,

This dazzling work is a celebration of the isiXhosa language of South Africa. It uses the various click sounds found in the Xhosa language to a stunning effect. The language will be a challenge to most

A dynamic a cappella world music selection featuring a call and response solo, optional improvised percussion and movement, and a divided choir option. The song is a traditional South African celebratory

Modimo is a song of praise and celebration from South Africa. Improvised percussion and a traditional Sesotho melody make for a grounded and deep sound your singers will immediately connect with. A

This song of praise from South Africa has vocal parts that are accessible and repetitive, so learning the initial rhythms and texts makes this a quick learn. Adding a soloist or percussion will take this

This beautiful Xhosa prayer from South Africa has been set with care, retaining the authentic feel in a mid-tempo ballad. The flowing vocal lines are achievable by a variety of levels, while the addition of

A poem from Mexico's pre-Columbian era and translated into Spanish is presented here in a highly interesting and rhythmic original setting that retains its cultural feel. With percussion and opportunities

Eslon Hindundu of Namibia has beautifully arranged this song from his country for choir and soloists. Sounding both otherworldly and peaceful, this interesting work has great appeal for a wide variety of