Commissioned by the Pennsbury High School Concert Choir, James D. Moyer, director in celebration of the tenth annual Big Sing concert in Princeton University Chapel, April 25, 2018 and to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, April 4, 1968 and his preaching in Princeton University Chapel

Je ne fus jamais si aise. Joyful cascading vocal lines and fa la la's will enliven your treble choir's concert or festival performance! The optional percussion creates a dance-like feel in this delightful madrigal edition.

In the deep of wintertime. for SATB and organ or piano With words by the composer, Archer's carol joyfully describes the Nativity story with a lilting melody in 3/4 time. The voices culminate in a powerful unison statement with an angelic descant, all the while underpinned by flowing keyboard accompaniment. Perfect for services and concerts.

Awake my soul. This short, approachable piece by Owain Park sets Psalm 57 and is scored for four part choir unaccompanied. The score includes a piano reduction for rehearsal purposes. Awake, my soul was given its first performance on Thursday 17th October 2019 by Wells Cathedral Choir, conducted by Jeremy Cole, in the presence of the composer during new music wells 79-19. The work was commissioned by Cathedral Commissions of Wells Cathedral (cathedralcommissions.co.uk), with the generous support of patrons and commissioners. It is dedicated to Iain Ball MBE, Chairman of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust 2004-2015.

From the cantata Sacred Places, the festive spirit in this Palm Sunday piece is evident from the very first measure! Springing from two cherished American hymn tunes, PROMISED LAND and LAND OF REST, the jubilant 6/8 meter captures the sway of palm fronds. A quote from All Glory, Laud and Honor recalls the triumphal entry as praise echoes through the modern sanctuary. Thoughtful part writing enables a speedy learning process as the piano offers an almost orchestral support for the vocals. Triumphant! Score and Parts for Full Orchestra (fl 1-2/pic, ob, cl 1-2, bn, hn 1-2, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2, tba, timp, perc 1-2, hp, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) and Consort (fl, cl, tpt 1-2, tbn, bls, perc, pno, kybd 1, gtr/kybd 2) both available as a digital download.

This beloved hymn, often referred to as the Black national anthem, was first performed in 1900. Widely considered to be a treasure, it is frequently chosen to celebrate important moments in gatherings and commemorations of the African American Civil Rights Movement. In this adaptation, Heather Sorenson and Rev. James Ward have collaborated in an effort that highlights the cooperation of black and white composers working together to honor the message of social justice. A new second verse brings the hymn into our current quest for diversity and equality so that all choirs can have the opportunity to build unity from faith and music.

Four poems sharing a common motif of 'Night' provide the texts for my choral cycle Nocturnes, the American Choral Directors Association's commissioned work for its 2005 national convention. For Rilke's atmospheric ?Sa nuit d'ete,? several melodic themes are supported by dense, colorful harmonies in both the choral and piano parts, leading to a climactic section where all are combined and stated simultaneously. Neruda's ?Soneto de la Noche,? from his Cien Sonetos de Amor, speaks of an eternal love that transcends death while reaffirming life. My a cappella setting of this gorgeous poem is predominantly quiet, serene and folk-like, utilizing direct harmonies accompanying long, lyrical vocal lines. Agee's wondrous ?Sure on this Shining Night? is set much like a song from the American musical theater, a genre for which I have held a life-long esteem. Rilke's poignant ?Voici le soir? recalls the opening bell sounds and jazz-tinged chords of the first movement and serves as an epilogue, quietly concluding this cycle of night songs as darkness descends.

Written during the height of the pandemic, this song of spiritual and physical wellness speaks to many moments of need. Opening with the first few chords of O God, Our Help in Ages Past, the anthem is framed as a petition for God's healing mercy. The fragile melody gently rises and falls, breathing with the sincerity of the lyrics. In the silence help us hear words of hope and promise clear. Teach us not to live in fear. Lord of all, we pray to You. A true anthem of hope!