A Child is Born
SSA & percussion, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47671-8
This rewarding work is evocative of the medieval era in keeping with the mystical text by Hildegard of Bingen. The work was commissioned by La Jeunesse, Northumberland Girls’ Choir, in honour of retiring director, Deirdre Morrell. See score & listen YouTube Choral Tracks
Auld Lang Syne
SSA, piano & flute, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48023947
SATB, piano & flute, Boosey and Hawkes HL 48019697
Although most often associated with New Years Eve, this song of friendship and goodwill is equally appropriate at times of farewell such as graduations. This beautiful arrangement uses the original Scottish air. Fl, ob, vl, db, piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube
Blake’s Cradle Song
SSA, piano, flute & oboe, Gordon V. Thompson VG-367.
Contact composer for further information. Lush harmonies and elegant flowing lines bring this traditional Christmas text by William Blake to life. The setting was written in honour of Jean Ashworth Bartle and Ruth Watson Henderson, Toronto Children’s Chorus. Listen YouTube
new release 2021 Christmas in Carrick
SSA, fiddle or flute, spoons or bodhan, Cypress Choral Music CP1921
SATB Cypress Choral Music CP1912
TBB Cypress Choral Music CP1920
I lively Celtic celebration of Christmastime…Pass the punch around the table, Christmas comes but once a year!
YouTube
D’où viens-tu, bergère?
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47818-7
A charming setting of one of Canada’s favourite carols suitable for children’s and women’s voices. The carol is in the form of a dialogue between a young shepherdess who has returned from the manager and local villagers. A great selection for a carol concert or service. See score & listen YouTube
Every Child Has Known God
SSA & piano, Alliance Music AMP0815-021
Every Child Has Known God is a setting of a fascinating, spiritual text by Hafiz. The work was commissioned by Les Chanteuses of Edmonton, directed by Heather Bedford. The beginning lyrical writing moves to a spirited conclusion ‘Come dance with me’. See score & listen YouTube
Hodie, Alleluia
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48023064
The African influence of this Christmas work score was inspired by the composer’s experiences in Ghana. Written for SSA choir, piano and improvised djembe. Two instrumentations are available from the composer: a) fl, ob, vl, db and piano b) string quartet and piano. See score & listen Youtube ChoralTracks
new release 2022 Huron Carol SSAA a cappella Carus 7.518/10 available for digital download
SATB a cappella, Christmas Carols of the World and Weinachtslider aus aller Welt ed. Volker Hempflig, Carus Verlag Carus 3.297/90, also available for digital download
TTBB a cappella Carus 7.518/20 available for digital download
The new choral anthology Christmas carols of the world will enrich the Christmas repertoire for choirs, with lots of exciting choral arrangements of a selection of 85 international Christmas carols. Composers include John Rutter, John Høybye, Mark Sirett, Wolfram Buchenberg, Matti Hyökki and Fredo Jung. Available separately: Order See score & listen YouTube
little tree
SSA & piano, Hinshaw Music, HMC 2039
Commissioned by the Kanata Children’s Chorus, Barbara Page-Puppa, director, this is a rewarding Christmas work for children or women based on one of e. e. cummings’ lesser known but beautiful texts. The work concludes with a joyous peal of “Noel, noel.” See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
Missa Brevis for a Young Girl
SA duet & SSA a cappella
This multi-movement work was commissioned by La Jeunesse, Northumberland Girls’ Choir, directed by Marie Anderson and Deirdre Morrell. It combines movements of the traditional Latin mass with interludes on poetry by Canadian poet and novelist, Richard Scrimger. For additional information and perusal copy, please contact the composer.
Introit
Kyrie
Do I deserve mercy?
Sanctus
Thanks to You
Agnus Dei
You who suffer
Benediction
new release 2021 Responsibility
SSA & piano, Hal Leonard HL 00357220
SATB & piano, Hal Leonard HL 00357218
Jewish leader and scholar, Hillel the Elder, captures the tension between the need for healthy self-care and the importance of caring for others. Canadian composer Mark Sirett combines the ancient Hebrew text with modern English to create an elegant and folk-like setting. See score & listen
new release 2022 Seven Joys of Mary
SSA & piano, optional instruments Cypress Choral Music CP1918
A creative, new arrangement of this beloved Irish carol uses the beautiful tune ‘Kingsfold’. An optional instrumentation of flute, oboe, violin and double bass is available. See score & listen Youtube
Song of the Angels (Gloria)
SSAA, handbells, percussion, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47492-9
SATB, handbells, percussion, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48018912
Although the Gloria is often associated with Christmas, the message of peace is universal and appropriate for many different occasions. This is a colourful soundscape that uses accessible experimental effects, often supported by the tuned and untuned percussion instruments. Gregorian chant inspires the opening and concluding melodies. The work received acclaim at recent international festivals. Commissioned by La Jeunesse Northumberland Girls’ Choir directed by Marie Anderson and Deirdre Morrell. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube
The Stars Point The Way
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48022975
“The Stars Point The Way” was commissioned by the Cantilon Choirs of Edmonton Alberta and was awarded “Outstanding Choral Composition 2010” by Choral Canada. This Christmas carol is sub-titled “Cosmic Bethlehem” and is a beautiful mix of traditional metaphors and contemporary references by Canadian poet Wendy Jean Maclean. Two instrumentations available from the composer a) string quartet and piano b) fl, ob, vl, db and piano See score & listen YouTube or YouTube
Taladh Chriosda
SSA, piano & violin, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48019991
SATB, piano & violin, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48024795
This beautiful Gaelic carol comes from the Scottish Isles. The tune, which is in the Mixolydian mode, has a medieval quality. The gently swaying rhythm captures the essence of Mary gently rocking the Baby in her arms. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano duet version available from the composer. Gaelic Pronunciation Guide See score & listen YouTube or YouTube ChoralTracks
Thou Shalt Know Him COLLECTION
SATB a cappella, Augsburg/Fortress Press 0-8006-5520-6
SATB a cappella, The Church Music Society (OUP 978-0-19-395397-0)
SSAA a cappella Augsburg/Fortress Press 0800675304S
TTBB a cappella Augsburg/Fortress Press 9798889831228
Erkennen wirst ihn (SATB a cappella German) Augsburg/Fortress 9798889831242
Vous le saurez quand il vient (SATB a cappella French) Augsburg/Fortress 9798889831235
Lo conocerás cuando vieniere (SATB a cappella Spanish) Augsburg/Fortress 9798889831259
Du förstår när han är här (SATB a cappella Swedish) Gehrmans Musickförlag SKG 10083
A stunning text complimented by a soaring melody and expressive harmonies are found in this popular a cappella motet. This work has been frequently recorded and broadcast by professional and amateur choirs worldwide including Vocalessence, the National Lutheran Choir and heard on CBC and NPR. See score YouTube or YouTube or YouTube ChoralTracks
Tyrley, Tyrlow
SSA, piano & C instrument (flute, oboe or recorder), Hinshaw HMC 1754
This work was written for the Toronto Children’s Chorus, Jean Ashworth Bartle, director. The text is a traditional Irish poem from the Renaissance; the writing is lyrical, modal, and harmonically inventive. The setting crescendos to an impassioned climax and fades poignantly wistfully in the final strains of the recorder. See score & listen YouTube