Larger works & musical theatre

Beltane – A Branch of May
SATB, SSA, orchestra (small orchestra of strings, fl, ob, hp, perc), Boosey and Hawkes M051-47958-0. The text for this work is comprised of several traditional May Day carols and sonnets from a variety of sources ranging from the medieval era to the 17th century. Musically, the work embraces many different styles, but is largely a tribute to the folk traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany.  Choral score available from the publisher. Full score and parts available from the composer. See score YouTube

Growing into Me
A cantata for unison children’s voices, piano, flute and optional handbells.  Script and lyrics by Barb Rendell and Joan Townend, Music by Mark Sirett.

In Praise of Music
SATB, organ, brass (2 Tr, 2 Hn, 3 Trombones, Tuba), and timpani
A five movement work on the text by John Dryden, ‘In Praise of Music’ was commissioned by the Richard Eaton Singers directed by Leonard Ratzlaff for their first concert with the Davies Concert Organ at the Winspear Centre, Edmonton.  Recorded on CD by the Richard Eaton Singers. Full score and parts available from the composer.

  1. What Harmony
  2. What Passion
  3. The Flute
  4. What Human Voice
  5. As from the Pow’r of Sacred Lays

Song at Sunset
SATB, children’s chorus, soprano soloist, full orchestra
A five-movement work on poems by Walt Whitman, full or rich and evocative harmonies.  Commissioned by the London Fanshawe Symphonic Chorus, Gerald Fagan, conductor, for SATB chorus, children’s choir, soprano soloist and orchestra.  Full score and parts available from the composer.

  1. Splendor at Ended Day
  2. Good in All
  3. The Water
  4. O Amazement of Things
  5. O Setting Sun

To Music
SATB and Wind Ensemble, a three-movement work commissioned by the University of Iowa Choirs for the 100th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the School of Music.   Full score and parts available from the composer. 

  1. Stanzas for Music
  2. Music, When Sweet Voices Die
  3. Invoke the Muses

words, stories, truth — A Trilogy in Honour of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples
SATB, SSA, piano, flute, oboe, violin, cello, double bass and percussion
This three movement work on words by award-winning Anishnaabe poet Vera Wabegijig was winner of Outstanding Choral Composition from Choral Canada in 2018.  It was commissioned by the choirs of the Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University by Gloria Gassi with the assistance of Canada 150.  Full score and parts available from the composer. 

  1.  words of my ancestors
  2.  drum warrior
  3.  we are standing

musical theatre

Kingdom of the Saguenay
A musical retelling of traditional Québecois folk tales in two acts (one hour, 20 min.) Script by Mary Alice Thompson and Mary Alice Downie.  Arrangements of traditional Québecois folk songs plus original music by Mark Sirett.  Large cast of lead and supporting characters plus choruses of villagers (children and adults).  Produced by Kingston Summer Festival, July 1997.
Samples:
A la claire fontaine
Les Raftsmen
Ah, Si mon moine voulait danser
J’entends le moulin

The Winter Children
Set in Kingston, the true story of Irish orphans who are abandoned on Christmas Eve, 1847.  The community, including Presbyterian women and recently arrived nuns of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph (Hotel Dieu), rally to provide food and shelter for the children. Script by Mary Alice Thompson and Mary Alice Downie.  Music, including folk song arrangements, carol arrangements plus original music by Mark Sirett.  Large cast of adult and children, chorus of teens and adults.  Produced by Cantabile Choirs, 1999.
Samples:
Lully, Lullow
Christmas Day is Come
Wexford Carol & Adeste fideles
D’où viens-tu, bergère?