Secular Concert Openers and Closers

From Three Motets for Unaccompanied Choirs, this work for SSATBB voices is a strong contest/festival selection for mature choirs.

Choral ensembles always find such joy in singing music by a composer who truly understands the voice and the choral art. With logical voice leadings in and out of thorny places, creative use of independent

It is the text that deserves your attention first. "The Benedictine Blessing" stands as a unique approach in its prayer requests. The musical setting was lauded by the lyricist, and brings a further

This work is an energetic reimagining of timeless text and tune from the 12th-century poet, composer, and philosopher Hildegard of Bingen. The marriage of the Caritas Abunda chant with a text taken

Beautifully capturing the essence of a traditional Gaelic blessing, this original setting evokes the natural tranquility of a "gentle night" where the "moon and stars pour their healing light on you." The

This energetic and spirited piece alternates between call-and-response sections and homophonic ones, exhibiting an ABA form overall. It is a great opener to any concert. Composed for the Columbus

This festive original setting of the traditional Latin text captures the essence of joyful admiration of God. Both solemn and majestic, pensive and jubilant, the a cappella sonorities expressed and explored

This simple yet heartfelt melody for this traditional Irish blessing will resonate with your choir as well as your audience. Additional text by the composer adds depth to the already lovely text: "May you

A gorgeous setting of the well-known English prayer text. Available in a variety of voicings, this blessing is a wonderful way to conclude a service or performance.

"May the roads rise up to meet you, may the winds be always at your back... until we meet again." Available in a cappella and accompanied versions, the lovely choral texture utilizes straightforward rhythms

Commissioned by the Texas Choral Directors Association for their Middle School/Junior High Honor Choir 2015, this setting is a grand interpretation of the traditional Gaelic prayer. "May the road rise up to

A tender prayer, sensitively set to music, the gentle accompaniment and simple, lyrical voice parts combine to create one of the sweetest anthems your choir will ever sing. A chamber ensemble includes full

Premiered at the World Choral Symposium in Minneapolis, this gospel praise song was inspired by the spiritual Over My Head. The dynamic piano accompaniment adds to the excitement, making this a

This lively sacred concert opener has a syncopated rhythmic feel that is truly uplifting! The four-hand piano accompaniment is essential to creating the desired effect. "O sing to the Lord, you saints of

This vigorous work based on Psalm 98 employs alternating 3/4 and 6/8 meter with excellent effect.  It's short and sweet, with lots of excitement to make it a good opener.

This setting of Psalm 100 sparkles with driving rhythms and mixed meters. Celebratory in nature and joyful from beginning to end, this work will be a wonderful way to begin any concert!

The angular nature of the asymmetrical rhythms and constantly changing meters brings vibrancy and momentum to this work. Shifting harmonic centers create unpredictability and surprise, and the bold,

"May you always remember when the shadows fall, you do not walk alone." This ethereal setting of a traditional Irish blessing is scored in a variety of voicings with piano. Deft strokes of Celtic styling