for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This spellbinding setting of words from Act 1, Scene 1, of Hamlet depicts a bird of dawning singing all night long in celebration of the Saviour's birth, with Shakespeare's characteristically evocative imagery heightened by Chilcott's artful word-setting. The harmonies are rich and the atmosphere hushed and expectant, with asoaring soprano solo line, which may be taken by a soloist from within the choir, evoking the birdsong.

for SATB and piano This rousing carol sets a text by the nineteenth-century Scottish poet Norval Clyne. Bassi's setting perfectly captures the contrast between light and darkness in Clyne's text, with simple vocal lines underscored by a busy piano part culminating in a powerful ending evoking the peels of church bells on Christmas morning. An orchestral accompaniment is available on hire/rental.

for SSATB unaccompanied Commissioned by Ralph Woodward and the Fairhaven Singers in memory of Dora Kemp, one of the choir's sopranos, God is Light sets lines from Psalm 139, 1 Thessalonians, and 1 John. It moves from an unsettled tonality at the beginning, through anguished false relations and wistful expressivity, to find triumphant resolution in a blazing A major at the end. Like all of McDowall's music, it is well crafted and singable. God is Light was first performed on 12 November 2016 in Queens' College Chapel, Cambridge, by the Fairheaven Singers and Perse Prep Senior Choir (director Paul Harris), conducted by Ralph Woodward.

for SSAA unaccompanied A bright and breezy piece with a charming text by Charles Bennett, A Tree of Song begins with a jaunty 7/8 figure which recurs throughout the piece, with a spirited melody floating above. Alternation between passages of 4/4 and 7/8 gives a lively offbeat feel, with the piece only taking on a darker tone in a brief central section.

for solo voice and SATB unaccompanied A familiar piece from the 100 Carols for Choirs stable, John Rutter's sublime arrangement of the haunting Appalachian carol I wonder as I wander, collected in the 1930s by musical folklorist and singer John Jacob Niles, is lilting and evocative, setting the scene with an affecting opening verse for solo voice.

for SA, piano, and percussion This is an uplifting and expressive setting of a fun, descriptive text by Christie Dickason that characterizes the sky in an imaginative way. The compelling melodies are underpinned by a dynamic piano part, often featuring rippling quavers, and charcterful interjections from the glockenspiel and suspended cymbal complement the narrative. A contrasting middle section in triple time quotes from the Northumbrian folk song 'When the boat comes in', while the final section is affirmatory in feel, emphatically repeating the final line of the poem, 'and I will grow'.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied First performed by the Choir of St Luke's Episcopal Church, Evanston, Illinois, in 2016, this powerful motet sets a reflective text by Augustine of Hippo. Connoisseurs of Jackson's music will recognise the hallmarks of his highly accessible style: inventive harmony that is largely diatonic but never plain, and textures that encompass the blazingly sonorous and the expressively intimate.

for SATB unaccompanied This anthem for unaccompanied choir juxtaposes the words of the Antiphon for the Washing of Feet on Maundy Thursday with 'The red rose whispers of passion' by the poet John Boyle O'Reilly. Jackson combines lyrical polyphonic phrases for upper and lower voices with atmospheric passages for full choir, frequently accompanied by repeated half-whispered text in free time.

for SATB and piano four-hands or orchestra This short, energetic piece sets words by contemporary hymn-writer Mary Louise Bringle. The text is full of positivity and hope, and Wilberg's use of a 7/8 time signature keeps the verses propelling forward joyously, while undulating quavers shape the refrains. Several key changes are supported by a continuously rhythmic accompaniment in the form of piano duet or large orchestra, and an instrumental interlude precedes the third and final verse.

for SATB and piano Written for the 2016 'Requiem to Cancer' event at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden, Now is the Time sets hopeful and inspirational words by Marie Curie. McDowall's setting is optimistic and appealing, with charming interplay between the voices and piano.

for soprano solo, SSATB, and organ As Each Leaf Dances is a setting of a powerful text by Kevin Crossley-Holland about the cruelty of child abuse being overcome by love and kindness. Reflecting this, the first section features a relentless organ part, jagged vocal lines, and dissonant harmonies, before giving way to a jaunty, dancing, and uplifting second section.

for soprano solo and SSATB unaccompanied Cecilia, Busy Like a Bee is a reflective and reverential setting of a text adapted from the Divine Office for St Cecilia's Day. The influence of plainchant is particularly apparent in the soprano solo, and McDowall intersperses effective imitative passages amidst homophonic writing with rich harmonies.

for SATB and organ Setting the George Herbert poem 'Whitsunday' from the 1633 collection The Temple, this lilting, gentle anthem is particularly useful for Whit Sunday services. Syncopations and duplets provide rhythmic interest, with memorable melodies, sumptuous harmonies, and contrasting textures making this a rewarding anthem for performer and listener alike.

for cambiata (opt. div.), baritone, and piano Brooke's arrangement of this traditional sea shanty is invigorating and atmospheric. Changing voices will enjoy the theme of trains and ships in the text, as well as the boisterous call-and-response texture, which is well-supported by the piano. The verses break into a reflective a cappella section before giving way to a rousing finish!

for SATB or unison voices and organ This joyous, celebratory introit sets well-known words from Psalm 95 and features appealing recitative-like melodies, striking harmonies, and fluctuating metre. The flexible scoring facilitates performance by SATB choir, unison voices, or high voices, and the organ part provides a supportive yet compelling accompaniment. O come, let us sing has been recorded by Wells Cathedral Choir, conducted by Matthew Owens, on the CD 'Flame Celestial' (REGCD320).

for SATB, piano, djembe, and cello This evocative anthem, from the larger work Snow Angel, is a piece of two halves. Opening with a haunting cello line, the first section ('God Will Give Orders') is mystical and ethereal, until a vibrant figure from the djembe lifts the music into the second section ('Sweet Child'), which is uplifting and bold in character, with a distinctly African feel and an effective a cappella ending. The instrumental parts are included in the vocal score, and a version for upper voices (SSAA) is also available.

for SATB and piano/orchestra John Rutter's rousing drinking song Good Ale, which was originally published as part of his cycle of six choral settings with small orchestra When Icicles Hang, is full of spirit and character. An accompaniment for orchestra is available on hire/rental.