Theme: “Compassion (Wholeness and Harmony)”

I Shall Pass Through This World (Margaret Bond) SATB a cappella – Bourne 829

Margaret Bond, the African-American female writer from the early 20^th century is finally getting her due respect.  The message from Etienne De Grellet is to be kind because you are only here for a short time.  Bond gives us a compelling and haunting musical setting.

Deep Peace (Elaine Hagenberg) SATB – Elaine Hagenburg Music EH1009

It is simply lovely!  The piano part is obviously written by a pianist, but she also wrote a string quartet that dresses it even more.

A Bridge of Peace (Gwyneth Walker) – EC Schirmer 8601

Powerful!  The text focuses on bringing Jews and Palestinians together yet it is meant for everyone everywhere.  Walker is a master.

Hands Are Knockin’ (Kyle Pederson) SATB drum and piano – Santa Barbara Music SBMP 1551

It may sound like an ethnic or folk song, but it is a great selection by Kyle.  The text is another approach to bringing us all together and stretches us with some great Arabic phrases.

Song of the Universal (Ola Gjeilo) SATB divisi with string orchestra and piano – Walton WW1642

The Walt Whitman text was written in the aftermath of the civil war and reminds us that there is within us all a better self.  Ola paints some beautiful choral colors that will inspire the audience.

Sikirileke / Koloi  (Sabelo Mthembu) SATB a cappella – MusicSpoke MS200562

It is a folk song well known in Africa and it is worth memorizing and swaying and singing.

United, We Are! (Brandon A. Boyd and Jermaine Manor) – KJOS Ed. 9185

Who doesn’t love gospel music? The message is in the title and the spirit is in the music.  This song will bring the house down.

The Water is Wide (Jesse Beulke) SATB divisi a cappella – Pavane P1712

The folk song has been around for hundreds of years and the words are a love song, but about its reality, ecstasies, brokenness, pain, and how we still yearn for companionship. The Beulke setting is masterful, complex, and deeply rewarding.

Nia – Purpose (Glenn Burleigh) SATB and piano – Glenn Burleigh www.glenmusik.com

It’s a sermon. A slow, thought-provoking message about caring and what our purpose in life should be. Preach it!

Sign Me Up (Brandon A. Boyd) SATB and piano or orchestra – Gentry Publications JG2618

Here’s another great gospel piece that will bring the house down.  Full of energy and meaning it is fully orchestrated for the most ambitious chorales.

I Love You/What A Wonderful World (Arr. Craig Hella Johnson) SATB divisi and piano – Hal Leonard 00138211

If you want to have the audience crying at the end of the concert this could be your encore.  The first piece is a touching pop song from the 70’s that will seize your heart. Then comes the familiar American classic of the “Wonderful World.”  Put together is the magic. Thank you Craig.