New Music Selections

From the Torres Strait Islands, this traditional folk song is built on a simple melody that adds more harmonic texture with each repetition. This arrangement is a cappella with authentic world percussion

Acclaimed conductor and arranger Stacey V. Gibbs lends his signature style to this beloved traditional spiritual. Vibrant stacked harmonies, call-and-response interjections, and a joyfully ornamented "I

From one of the late 20th century's leading British choral directors, here are three useful carol arrangements for SATB mixed choirs. I Saw Three Ships is the traditional melody set with organ

Nicholas Dakin's mystical nativity text is brought to life in dramatic fashion. The octatonic melody and open harmonies with parallel fourths and fifths are invigorated with an energetic 6/8 meter that is

With text from the traditional Latin Mass, this modern a cappella work captures the feeling of a rushing current throughout. Layers of ostinatos and vocal effects along with some simple body percussion

This Ukrainian folk tune is well known as Carol of the Bells, but this setting employs new lyrics that reflect its true heritage as a New Year's song. This text combines the narrative of the

This beloved text finds a fresh new presentation in this modern a cappella carol setting. Using effective textural changes and syncopation, it has the feel of a contemporary worship song with the structure

A beautifully interpreted arrangement of the Appalachian folk carol, this a cappella setting written for the Tabernacle Choir provides a gentle harmonization suitable for a lullaby to the Christ child. A

Breathing new life into a Christmas classic, this arrangement features playful rhythmic alterations between 3/4 and 6/8 meter. The syncopated vocal lines are underpinned by a supportive, bouncy piano

Depicting a journey to the Bethlehem stable where Jesus was born, this lilting original carol features both the lower and upper voices separately before joining together in glorious harmony. The third verse

With newly composed text from Wendat poet Andree Levesque Sioui, this reimagined arrangement of the Huron Carol is retitled to honor its origins and invites us to learn from the past while working

Thomas Troeger's text of thanksgiving and praise tells of angels, joyful singing, and the blessing of peace. This sparkling setting for treble choir with organ accompaniment is useful during the Christmas

Setting a text by Sister Polly M. Rupe, this is a comforting reflection on the power of kindly spoken words, both for the giver and receiver. Built on a supportive keyboard part, the choral parts alternate

Setting vivid poems by Kate Wakeling, this three-movement work is a powerful exploration of the theme of ice through the lens of climate change. Not specifically written to be a winter work, it can be

Simply set, this beautiful and poignant text by Paul Laurence Dunbar tells of the healing effects of music and how our own music making can spread joy. The warm strophic chordal texture and stirring

Viewing the stages of womanhood through the Kalevala,a Finnish epic compiled by Elias Lonnrot in the 19th century, this five-movement work is a powerful statement for treble choirs. The texts are

Exploring the sounds of the Hindustani classical tradition, this original work sets a dohe (couplet) about patience by the Indian mystic poet Kabir. This lyrical piece flows with a soothing quality and

An ambient a cappella opening gives way to an accompanied texture for mixed choir with full divisi in this setting of Sara Teasdale's text. The metaphor of the ocean's tide symbolizes life's ups and downs;

Set in a contemporary a cappella style, Heather Lane's text sparkles with scat-syllable vocables and an interesting vocal line that passes through the upper and lower voices as the parts imitate and respond

Part of a set of four Welsh psalms, this third movement stands alone, written to honor and celebrate King Charles III. Grahame Davies' text is presented primarily in English with the Welsh lyrics in italics

Matthew Stepanic's romantic and ultimately tragic text, inspired by Octavio Paz's poem A Boy and a Girl famously set by Eric Whitacre, is beautifully set for a cappella mixed choir. Described by

Very fun to sing, this optimistic piece is characterized by catchy, singable melodies and a syncopated rhythmic drive in the vocal and piano writing. The text celebrates the lifelong relationships created

Emily Dickinson's familiar poem abounds with symbolism as the hope of a bird is brought to life. The musical setting utilizes a fluttering accompaniment, interesting harmonies, and a flowing melodic line

This thoughtful a cappella setting of the traditional text flows between swells of emotion and warm chromatic inflections in the Latin refrains. A soprano solo is present through much of the setting, and