2023 ACDA Reading List Selections

A beautiful and moving setting of the Rainer Maria Rilke poem in German, this original a cappella concert work uses the full range of tonal color painting, creating a work worthy of the very best choirs.

We welcome Hyun Kook to the Hinshaw catalogue.  This advanced setting of the traditional Latin is scored for unaccompanied mixed chorus (soprano divisi) and is taken from a longer Missa

A mythological song about two heavenly steeds of a god's sons, this selection is a calm, meditative rendering that is almost mystical. The Latvian modality permeates the song with an eloquent tension

Based on a traditional Hawaiian chant with original music, this rousing work for advanced treble choirs brings all the drama of a volcanic eruption normally associated with destruction. But in Hawaiian

Rhythmic energy abounds in this exciting setting of a simple "Alleluia" text. Set in 10/8, the asymmetrical meter gives a repetitive groove that is engaging and fun to sing for each voice part. Dynamic

A strong unifying text from Colleen Carhuff states "No notes are as connected as the souls that sing them, and no soul is happier than when surrounded by their friends. We are one!" A wonderful choice for

Serving as an unofficial anthem, this beloved Korean folk song is creatively set by one of Korea's top female composers. This arrangement begins with beautiful, flowing unison vocal lines and simple

Inspired by the text of poet E. Pauline Johnson, Sarah Quartel has created an energetic and fun piece for a cappella voices. Melodic elements and counter melodies are shared between the voices in a

Harriet Prescott Spofford's poem describes a young woman who discovers a bold new world of thrilling beauty when she ventures beyond her familiar walls. Accompanied by piano and optional violin, cello,

This moving selection features a smoothly flowing harmonic texture that courses throughout the piece. Warm and enveloping, The Song You Loved will be the song you love singing, whether it be for

This is a song of praise written in a distinguished, elegant style that has become a hallmark of the composer. With text from the book of James and 1 Corinthians, this is a stunning contemporary madrigal

The De Profundis text includes excerpts from the Psalms that amount to a call to God to hear our prayers and be merciful. This setting is captivating and distinctively original. The rhythmic playfulness

This moving arrangement of a beloved spiritual speaks with authenticity. With deep rich harmonies and extended ranges, it will challenge and satisfy the mature ensemble. 

This hit song from Dua Lipa's award-winning album is all about the funky nu-disco sound. Arranged by the defacto "father of contemporary a cappella," this is a fun number that mixed or treble a cappella

Based on a Renaissance piece by Franco-Flemish composer Pierre de Manchicourt, this lovely composition maintains the flavor of the original work while adding modern rhythmic elements and tonalities.

This work from the pen of Johann Michael Haydn - brother of Franz Joseph-  is another example of a newly discovered piece for mixed voices that may be performed with piano accompaniment or two

James Weldon Johnson's text shines in this contemporary a cappella concert work that highlights the gift and power of song over adversity. Employing simple body percussion, some background vocables, and

The fourth movement of Dan Forrest's new LUX:The Dawn from on High is now available as a stand-alone octavo. Its jazz-influenced harmonies, infectious rhythmic energy, soaring vocal lines, and

This beautiful arrangement of the 17th-century lullaby features subtle jazz inflections and artful imitation. The text seeks to create a calm and comforting atmosphere for sleep, emulated through gently

Rosephanye Powell has brought her classic style to the beloved spiritual Good News, Chariot's Coming! This arrangement is rhythmic, vibrant, and fun, with excellent vocal writing and energy. The

This work is an exploration of sounds with human voice. The text is taken from the terminology used for various Malay traditional dance movements. Inspired by an exotic Indonesian Malay scale, the music

Rhythmic and dramatic, this exciting piece is the perfect way to open your holiday concert. The traditional Latin text is given a perfectly crafted modern setting with optional body percussion and driving

Here is a spiritual that encourages one to be a good humanitarian, a soldier for peace, and an example of hope for others. A perfect message of peace for advanced ensembles!