2023 ACDA Featured Session and Concert Titles

Al Shlosha D'varim is a lyrical setting of an essential maxim from Jewish morality laws, translated to mean: "The world is sustained by three things: by truth, by justice, and by peace." Available

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.

Here is a traditional Lakota lullaby sung by mothers to their young boys. The Lakota language has become nearly extinct, but composer/arranger Linthicum-Blackhorse has made it his life's work to bring the

An exciting, unique arrangement of this wonderful African American spiritual, rich in texture and vibrancy and sure to invigorate any holiday concert! With or without the rap section, and supported by piano

The Chicago Tribune writes: "Moving among styles ranging from Lutheran hymnody to blues to Broadway, this modern-day Passion will move many listeners to tears even as it reaches beyond tragedy to peace,

This bluesy setting requires three treble soloists with power and confidence. The choral backgrounds are deliberately sparse imitating guitar, light organ, and banjo until a climactic group shout. The music

Originally published in the collection Sun, Moon, Sea, and Stars, this piece sets a poem by Sara Teasdale that likens a heart seeking its love to a swallow's cry. Chydenius's rich harmonies,

"Ffe Mwe Mwe Ffe" begins with a simple unison call, the energy of community coming together for the common good grows with each interwoven and layered rhythm that enters.  A soloist then introduces

Beautiful for treble choirs, this arrangement of Carnelia's solo song captures the dramatic and expressive elements of the melody and text. The lush accompaniment for piano or optional string quartet adds

This selection is a dance that represents friendship and the flow of the human spirit. It is a time for all to come together to syncopate the energy of Mother Earth to the beat of the drum.

Joyful energy, dance-like rhythms, effective handclaps, and shifting meters all come together in this exuberant choral feature that is based on a Buddhist mantra. Repetitive melodies dance freely through

A joyous and buoyant work from Dutch Renaissance composer Jan Sweelink, this edition moves the work to a slightly lower key and includes performance suggestions from the editor. A fantastic work for

From the motion picture "Selma," this inspirational song speaks of hope and looks to the future for healing in the midst of great division. This gospel-like setting offers comfort to the community and

A fascinating mix of English and Arabic text reinforces the universal message to open our minds, hearts, and hands to each other. The lively piano accompaniment, notated djembe percussion part, and

Winner of the 2020 Genesis Prize from ACDA, this is a piece about facing the fear to breathe, and the courage to be together once more. With text and music knitted together in a soundscape of layers and

The heartbreaking words of Trent Reznor have connected with listeners in the Nine Inch Nails original, Johnny Cash's cover version, and now the contemporary choral sound of Eric Whitacre. Dissonances based

Rhythmic, driving, and intense, this arrangement of the traditional spiritual with themes of home, journey, and trial is based on the 1950s Mahalia Jackson version with an Afro-Cuban beat. Add string bass

This highly dramatic traditional South African song is a true musical gem, presented a cappella at a slower tempo. Arranged by two South African composers who are experts in this genre, the arrangement is a

What library would be complete without this exquisite piece by Randall Thompson? A dramatic work on the text of II Samuel 23:3,4 that runs the spectrum of dynamics and demands vocal control.

This tender hymn of praise reminds us that in the end we are all weak and broken and that the Heavenly Father deals lovingly and mercifully with all of His children. Written in memory of little Erin

Leonora Speyer's inspirational poem encourages singers to take hold of their limitless potential. Ascending vocal lines stretch across a driving accompaniment as if reaching out to grasp the expanse