Secular Concert Openers and Closers

This setting of Psalm 32 is jubilant and celebratory; it will work well as a festival opener or closer. The energetic main theme is contrasted with a lyrical legato middle section. A pronunciation guide and

Grandiose and exciting, this festive piece has rhythmic energy in the vocal lines coupled with an active yet supportive piano accompaniment. With a variety of accessible voicings, this piece is fitting for

An ideal opener for concerts or festivals, this energetic piece has a memorable melody and lively rhythmic elements. The opening and closing sections offer a syncopated motive, while the middle section

Young singers will love the style of this contemporary festival piece with a school-friendly Latin text. Directors will love how easy it is to teach as well as the inherent musical value of unified vowel

Great as a festival opener, this triumphant setting of a traditional Latin text includes a pronunciation and translation guide and is great for teaching pure vowel sounds. Mixed meter sets an exciting mood

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

A patriotic fantasy in an accessible version for choir and band, this soaring rendition of America, the Beautiful is a crowning jewel for choral or combined concerts. Sturdy and proud, it features

This traditional Nigerian song of welcome effectively uses repetition and engaging rhythms to make this a quick learn and an entertaining concert selection. The octavo includes suggestions for stage

A simple a cappella setting of Fiona Macleod's traditional text that invokes the peace and stillness of nature. The choral parts move gently with extended cluster chord cadences and some simple divisi. This

Two traditional Irish blessings, "Deep peace of the running wave to you" and "May the road rise up to greet you" are artfully combined in this exquisite work by King's Singer and composer Phillip Lawson. A

This ideal concert or festival opener presents a fusion of joyful Latin phrases and exuberant English text. A contrasting "alleluia" section echoes legato lines between paired parts. Conservative ranges and

Translated as "Let's Rejoice Today," this celebratory original work combines a short Latin and English text with a simple mixed meter setting that is a wonderful way to open a concert or service at any time

The strong, driving rhythms and exciting dynamic contrasts of this Latin setting will keep your audience and choir engaged right up to the final vigorous "Hallelujah!" Very catchy, fun to sing and easy to

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 stunning work features a breathtaking string orchestration. Tender and compassionate, the music is full of hope for the weary and oppressed. "All things are shadow, You are substance; all things

This work is a thoughtful and reflective setting of two great Irving Berlin songs, Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, with text from the Emma Lazarus poem The New Colossus, and

A text from the Book of Common Prayer, as timely today as when it was originally penned in 1662, is particularly engaging in this relaxed and soulful gospel setting. This setting for SATB voices and piano

Give your younger students a taste of real classical music with this terrific festival opening selection arranged just for them. Feature a trio of soloists or a small group along with distinctive choral

Written with joyful exuberance, this Gloria setting contains both homophonic writing and interplay between the vocal parts. Add the optional trumpet for even more festivity in concerts or services at any