World Music Selections

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

This elegant original concert work combines the ancient Hebrew text of Jewish scholar Hillel the Elder with English lyrics to capture the tension between the need for healthy self-care and the importance of

Don't miss this unique setting of a traditional Israeli folk song scored for a cappella voices, flute, and hand drum. Inventive with spoken chants woven throughout, this is accessible with limited ranges

Here is a lively and energetic selection from Bulgaria. With an asymmetrical meter and some nice cluster chords, this traditional folk song also includes hand clapping for a rhythmic piece that is both

This traditional and much-loved carol from Ireland is a welcome addition to any concert. This straightforward arrangement enhances the powerful emotions contained in the lyrics.

Here are two traditional folk songs from across the Malay Archipelago. The first from Indonesia, and the second from the eastern state of Terengganu. These songs are fun and rhythmic and a wonderful

Here is a traditional Yorta Yorta folk song from Australia that is full of energy and style. A cappella divisi harmonies surround this melody and will invite discussion of the language and cultural context

With a multicultural flair, this energetic and rhythmic work conveys a singular force for change. Combining texts from Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Matthew 5:15 with original lyrics, the

This is a popular Indonesian folk song about the game of tug of war from the island of Maluku in the Moluccas. It is a call to live in togetherness, even though there are differences that attract each

Written for the One Voice Children's Choir, this work mixes English and Swahili in a pop-style setting to drive home the message: "There is beauty all around when there's love at home."

From the Mexican/Latin American holiday tradition of Las Posadas, this sweet lullaby is sung by children to welcome the birth of the baby on Christmas eve. Presented here in an accessible arrangement that

This arrangement of a traditional habanera song uses a gentle, lilting setting to tell a love story. The elegant piano accompaniment contributes to the authentic feel. Both English and Spanish texts are

A fast and furious piece depicting the fierce power and beauty of the pre-World War II trains in the Philippines. The lyrics (in Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines) combine vast landscape

This tender song was made popular by the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. With Hebrew lyrics from the Song of Solomon, it has been performed in concerts and weddings throughout the world. This choral

A deeply lyrical piece, this traditional tro-glu (common dance song) text from Lo Monthang, Nepal, is sung in the Mustangi dialect. This selection gives an opportunity for soloists to shine

Translated literally as "good sign" (siman tov) and "good luck" (mazel tov), this upbeat folk melody comes from the Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe in the late 19th century. Often

This traditional Japanese song depicts a red dragonfly at sunset. Paired with an original melody and English lyrics in a simple partner song setting, this easy-to-learn concert piece features lyrical lines,

This beautiful Spanish carol is a tender lullaby that shifts seamlessly between minor and major, reflecting the text that moves from quieting the baby to a rushing fountain and singing birds. The harmonies

This high-energy piece for a cappella treble choir with optional body percussion and spoons is fun to sing and dynamic to perform. Written in the style of an Acadian folk song, the words of Vichten

Composed in an Afro-Peruvian dance style, this piece for treble choir and piano with body percussion is so fun to perform! The lively tempo, engaging melody, and singable harmonies are a great match for

This Iranian folk song in the original Farsi language includes a translation and an easy-to-understand pronunciation guide with a link to a spoken version offered as a supplement. The first verse is sung by

A cappella vocal jazz meets traditional Irish dance music in this innovative piece, sung entirely with vocables. Though it sounds complex and requires vocal agility, ostinatos make this work approachable,

This authentic sounding salsa piece is a fun way to incorporate Spanish text into your choral program. A contrasting middle section makes use of claves and vocal percussion, and the song provides an

Using both Hebrew and English text, this original setting of a traditional Jewish blessing provides an important message of peace. Set with a contemporary pop ballad feel, the text was chosen to honor