Secular Concert Openers and Closers

A dynamic a cappella world music selection featuring a call and response solo, optional improvised percussion and movement, and a divided choir option. The song is a traditional South African celebratory

Choirs will love the rhythmic drive and energy of this meaningful composition. The Ojibway text means "Come in, two-legged beings. Come in all people. There is good life here." A wonderful opening

This tremendous work will make a fantastic concert opener! The dramatic solo opening is followed by an up-tempo traditional-style choral arrangement of this South African song with djembe and handclaps.

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

Inspired by Psalm 133, composer Michael John Trotta has written a lovely a cappella piece that celebrates the unity of brotherhood among all people. This calm, sonorous work is the perfect choice for a

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 uses the text of the traditional Irish blessing but employs modern compositional techniques, with independent vocal lines, mixed meters, a challenging accompaniment, and dissonances throughout to

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

A whirling circle dance, the exuberance of youth, kaleidoscopic images of rural life and love - all are captured in Alexander Blok's poem and artfully set to music. Filled with dramatic dynamic contrasts

Commissioned for a premiere performance at the Texas Music Educators Association 2000 convention, Joseph Martin's Come to the Music is alive and electric with driving rhythm, memorable melodies,

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

A humorous musical PSA about concert etiquette written in the style of a Gilbert and Sullivan patter song. Fun to sing, and your audience will appreciate the reminder to silence their cell phones and pagers

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.

This tremendously fun arrangement of a South African greeting song exclaims, "Iyo hlonolofatsa, Ka lebitso la ntate," which translates as, "Bless everything in the name of the Father." Featuring a soloist,