Secular A Cappella Concert Music

Emily Dickinson's poem is set with unaccompanied harmonies that speak to the darkly mysterious quality portrayed in the text. Useful at any time of year, but especially effective for the winter solstice or

The joyful, cascading introduction begins from a unison note, setting the tone for this setting of the famous Teasdale poem. Like a heartbeat, the rhythmic call and response between treble and tenor-bass is

Lush harmonic textures are the framework for this beautiful, ethereal piece for mixed choirs. Cluster chords and effectively used dissonances help to evoke the vastness and mystery of space while

Mirroring in the musical texture what poet Kate Wakeling has created in the composition of her poem, the music revolves around a fixed pitch that appears as an ostinato on the syllable "O." Expressing the

The elegant beauty of Francis Ledwidge's poem about the late summer shimmers in this original work for a cappella mixed chorus. Slowly moving harmonies that range between four and six parts ebb and flow

Drawing on our shared humanity, this original work from new composer Peterson encourages us to confront the isolationism that's becoming prevalent in our world due to so many crises, fears, and uncertainty

Written as a tribute for a loved one's wedding, this passionate text from the Song of Solomon is captured beautifully in the music.

This fresh arrangement of a traditional British folksong is a sure favorite! Dashing Away with the Smoothing Iron's independent lines and rich harmonies are a delight for all, from audience to

This selection is about a transgender woman's dream in which she feels that no matter her struggles, everything will be okay. With inspirational lyrics, "I will not let fear become my beacon," this piece is

With modern dissonance and free tonality, this entire piece drives toward the last line of the Stacy Gnall poem: "big brother, I am catching up to you." One long, rhythmic race, this selection will be a

Given everything our communities, choir, and world have experienced recently, we could all use a bit of light! This music encourages us to tend to our hearts and to others, remembering that each of us has

This beautiful arrangement of the original was created for the BBC Singers. Intimate and captivating, this selection's thick divisi choral texture and cool modern setting are great for more advanced

Here is a jazz standard, nominated for an Academy Award in 1949 for Best Original Song, set for advanced vocal jazz choirs. The a cappella treatment is sprinkled with fresh harmonies and thick jazz

A powerful reflection on personal strength and resolve, this song blends poet Evelyn Dudley's Southern tenacity and hardy faith with composer Elizabeth Alexander's Appalachian roots and musical vision. The

"If you hold your hand closed, nothing good can come in. The open hand is blessed, for it gives in abundance, even as it receives." Full of a lovely divisi texture throughout, this is for more advanced

As a longtime member of The King's Singers, Lawson is intimately familiar with this Shaker hymn and brings that influence to this fresh arrangement. This a cappella piece features different sections on the

With a multicultural flair, this energetic and rhythmic work conveys a singular force for change. Combining texts from Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Matthew 5:15 with original lyrics, the

Native American women are more likely to be abducted, assaulted, and murdered than any other population group, and the perpetrators are rarely charged or convicted. Each verse of this selection  cries

A cry for peace in a world torn by war, this poignant a cappella setting of an original text is filled with striking dynamic contrasts. "Sing, Be, Live, See... This dark stormy hour, the wind, it stirs. The

Here is a tender love song from the "Song of Solomon" that was premiered at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand. Part of the National Concerts series the piece begins with a soprano

This piece was originally a part of the Chanticleer Silver Jubilee Anthology. Scored for unaccompanied mixed divisi voices, this advanced arrangement will be perfect for an American Music Month

The words are simple - "They will cry peace where there is no peace" - but the setting of the music is rhythmic and dynamic. The repetitions make sense as the words move on to "joy" and "love," and you

A mythological song about two heavenly steeds of a god's sons, this selection is a calm, meditative rendering that is almost mystical. The Latvian modality permeates the song with an eloquent tension

Dvorak is well known for his folk song settings, but this lullaby is his own tune - and his earthy roots emerge from the melody of this secular part song. A great selection for more advanced ensembles.