From our 2013 Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service. We are joined by guest vocalists Holly Ruth Gale (Assistant Professor of Music, ATU) and Jeremy Hopper (student, UCA). Zoe Butler, piano.

World premiere of "Do you Know the Song the Angels Sang" by Villa Park, IL composer John Milne. Sunday, 12/2/19 Congregational Church of Batavia, IL

This setting of the 98th Psalm (Sing a new Song to the Lord for he has worked wonders.) comes originally from my cantata “The Manchester Magnificat”, based on Audrey Vaughan’s poems about the religious and social history of the city. The oratorio was...  moreThis setting of the 98th Psalm (Sing a new Song to the Lord for he has worked wonders.) comes originally from my cantata “The Manchester Magnificat”, based on Audrey Vaughan’s poems about the religious and social history of the city. The oratorio was first performed in Manchester Cathedral in 1994. This psalm forms the climax of the whole cantata and provides an expression of optimism after the tragedies of the previous sections. In this “extracted” version, the tragic surroundings of the history remain in the background and the purebubbling joy of the psalm itself shines forth. Enjoy the complex rhythms and let your hair down! This performance by Daniel Shaw's Composer's Choir (based in Connecticut) is a brilliant rendition of the piece and will, I hope, encourage other church choirs and concert choirs to consider including it in their repertoire.  less

From our 2013 Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service. We are joined by guest vocalists Holly Ruth Gale (Assistant Professor of Music, ATU) and Jeremy Hopper (student, UCA).

“The Wind” was commissioned by the Organization of American Kodály Educators as a result of Rich Campbell winning the Ruth Boshkoff Composition Prize. The text is from Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1885 A Child’s Garden of Verses. The choir begins by emulating...  more“The Wind” was commissioned by the Organization of American Kodály Educators as a result of Rich Campbell winning the Ruth Boshkoff Composition Prize. The text is from Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1885 A Child’s Garden of Verses. The choir begins by emulating the sound of the wind, and then sings directly to the wind, describing the many things the wind does while questioning just who or what the wind is. The piece, inspired by Kodály’s philosophy, develops a folk-like melody in a modern context. The rhythmic piano accompaniment keeps the piece bouncing brightly until its exciting conclusion. Premiere performance by the 2016 OAKE National Children's Choir, Elizabeth Núñez, director. The Wind by Robert Louis Stevenson I saw you toss the kites on high And blow the birds about the sky; And all around I heard you pass, Like ladies' skirts across the grass— O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a Song! I saw the different things you did, But always you yourself you hid. I felt you...    less

"A Sad Song" by Randall Thompson, from the Song cycle "Rosemary". Text by Stephen Vincent Benét. Recorded live on Thursday, July 3, 2014, at Christ Lutheran Church in Oakland Park, Florida. Performed by the Concert Choir ensemble of the Girl Choir of S...  more"A Sad Song" by Randall Thompson, from the Song cycle "Rosemary". Text by Stephen Vincent Benét. Recorded live on Thursday, July 3, 2014, at Christ Lutheran Church in Oakland Park, Florida. Performed by the Concert Choir ensemble of the Girl Choir of South Florida. Artistic Director: Wallis Peterson. Rosemary, Rosemary, There's a Pig in your garden, With silk bristles frizzy And tushes of snow! But Rosemary was cautious, She said, "Beg your pardon! I'm really too busy To look down below." Rosemary, Rosemary, There's a Bird in your kitchen! His voice is gold water, He says, "Pretty Poll!" But Rosemary heard nothing, Putting stitch after stitch in The dress of a daughter, Her thirty-sixth doll. Rosemary, Rosemary, A silver-ringed Rabbit! He bridles and gentles And wants you astride! "I prefer," said Rosemary, "To ride a Good Habit." She went buying black lentils- She did till she died.  less

Bob Chilcott's "Song of the Crib" Sunday, December 4, 2016 Congregational Church of Batavia, IL

From our 2013 Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service. We are joined by guest vocalists Holly Ruth Gale (Assistant Professor of Music, ATU) and Jeremy Hopper (student, UCA). Alisa Coffey, harp.

Song of life - Lyrics by Robert Prizeman, Music by Takatsugu Muramatsu

Visit www.samuelholbird.com for more details and to get the score! LYRICS BELOW As One was written to mark the centenary of World War I. The Song is written for a SATB choir and is sung a cappella. It is a contemplative piece which explores themes ...  moreVisit www.samuelholbird.com for more details and to get the score! LYRICS BELOW As One was written to mark the centenary of World War I. The Song is written for a SATB choir and is sung a cappella. It is a contemplative piece which explores themes of togetherness in adversity and the call for peace. Its opening phrase mimics that of the Last Post and it is intended to be sung as part of an act of remembrance. Lyrics: As one they stood alone As one they gazed into the unknown Laid bare in rains of steel Deep veins of mire to call their home Bade forth with flags of praise Thenceforth as one to end their days From distant shores Their souls cry out for us to remember As blood bore fertile earth One soaring call was brought to birth A seed awakening A proclamation now to serve As one their voices come As one they call the Earth to arms Their anthem strong A Song imploring us to remember Remember, we shall remember As darkness plundered then So darkness wounds the Earth again An...    less