New Music Selections

Generally known as Balulalow, this text has been famously set by many composers, most notably Benjamin Britten in his Ceremony of Carols. This fresh setting offers modern a cappella

A beautiful setting of the traditional spiritual, this treble arrangement employs a cascading harmonic figure that expands from unison all the way to a perfect fourth. The rocking feel of the piece embodies

A powerful call to justice, this work reminds us that in order for hope to survive, every day we need to work toward peace. A free-flowing solo is followed by the layering of rhythmic ostinatos, building

Four rhythmic ostinatos underscore the lilting melody in this work scored for a cappella mixed choir and solo or small group. Speaking to the hope found in each child that's born, this piece reminds each of

Originally composed as a dance theater piece, this sobering work should maintain a strict tempo. Written for a cappella mixed choir, the dense harmonic texture and drastic dynamic shifts help deliver the

Inspired by women of China who rose up from the despair of oppression, this a cappella work is an anthem for women's empowerment. Newly updated by a scholarly committee dedicated to Dr. Barnwell's works,

Also set as a children's book, this powerful text quite literally sings itself. With a divided bass ostinato and accessible harmonies, this a cappella work is a poignant tool to help young people discover

As recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock, this extraordinary a cappella piece speaks of the precious gifts of life and loved ones. Newly updated by a scholarly committee dedicated to Dr. Barnwell's works,

This Advent piece is a reimagined Magnificat for the modern world, portraying Mary as a warrior who sings for the voiceless and stands up for justice. It also weaves in the familiar O Come, O Come,

Based on the Japanese art of kintsukuroi, filling cracked pieces of pottery with gold, this work encourages us to see the beauty in the flaws of others. Layers of ostinatos and close a cappella

A well-loved Emily Dickinson poem is skillfully set in this a cappella setting for lower voices. Rich texture is achieved without extensive divisi, and intuitive part writing builds to a satisfying climax.

Rich, warm harmonies envelop this traditional spiritual in an accessible texture that highlights the text in a plea for a promising future. Standard homophonic part writing and easily read rhythms make this

A traditional field shout, singers will enjoy learning this spiritual presented with care and authenticity. Percussive part writing supports the powerful melody, creating a driving rhythm that will keep

In a festive a cappella arrangement, this 13th-century medieval carol is sung in Latin with a variety of harmonic textures and an easy flowing mixed meter. It's an ideal programming choice for Christmas

The line between time's reality and its invention is blurry. This modern concert work borrows heavily on contemporary a cappella harmonies and techniques to create an engaging texture that highlights the

Arguably the best-known Nguni anti-apartheid struggle song, this has become an anthem in South Africa against all forms of injustice. This arrangement allows choirs to sing against the needless violence

The traditional English carol gets a robust setting for tenor-bass choirs in this arrangement. Opening with an optional tenor solo, it quickly shifts to a fully choral texture with contrasts in dynamics and

Reflecting on the more ethereal qualities of the Christmas narrative, this introspective a cappella work marvels at the significance of the star, both literally and metaphorically. Extracted from a larger

Clapping, shouting, and intricate rhythmic singing combine in this exciting concert work. In the contemporary a cappella style, but also meant for larger concert choirs exploring this style as well as a

A popular Irish folk song with a tragic story is set for tenor-bass choirs in this beautiful arrangement. Featuring a tenor soloist and full, lush harmonies for the whole choir, this offers opportunities to

Dancing rhythms and joyful harmonies set this folk story of a harvesting competition between Basque farmer friends. The rapid alterations between 6/8 and 3/4 create a rambunctious and very enthusiastic

As recorded by the Latvian Voices, this is a very fresh and modern take on a traditional Latvian folk song. With themes of power, strength, and luck, this tremendously fun setting sounds impressive with its

Opening as a slow and symbolic prayer asking God for strength to stand against injustice and wrongdoing, this isiZulu song is a reimagining of the popular traditional Tshwane church song Ke na le