for SATB and piano Commissioned for the 2015 National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association, Wide Open Spaces reflects on the journeys and adventures to be found in the wide open spaces within ourselves and in the world around us. The uplifting melody is passed from the upper voices to the lower voices before the piece opens out into an expansive texture with rich harmonies. Quartel introduces a playful episode of scat singing before a resolute final chorus brings this evocative piece to a peaceful and serene close.

for SATB and organ A stunning atmosphere is instantly created in this short piece by an almost ethereal organ part, featuring flourishes on flute stops, later supported by a drone-like pedal line. The choral lines are slow-moving and homophonic, allowing the text to come to the fore. These words are traditionally used on Trinity Sunday, but their general message is suitable for use throughout the year, making Owens's setting a useful and practical addition to any church choir's repertory.

for mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists, SATB chorus, and piano, orchestra, or brass ensemble The story of Good King Wenceslas on the Feast of Stephen is presented here as a vivid musical narrative, with solo parts for the characters of Wenceslas (baritone) and Page (mezzo-soprano). Chilcott sets new words by Charles Bennett to a colourful array of styles to recount their snow-bound story. The choir sets the scene before Wenceslas and Page meet in 'Who can that be?', and the story-telling continues in several contrasting movements, including a touching solo ballad from Page entitled 'Thank you' and the strong yet reflective closing movement, 'On St Stephen's Night'. The full five verses of the well-known carol are skilfully interwoven throughout the work in different parts, with the final verse being sung by the audience or a semi-chorus, and the movements are punctuated by an instrumental interlude and triumphant fanfare. An orchestral accompaniment is available on hire/rental.

for SATB and organ or large orchestra Adapted from a version originally written for baritone Bryn Terfel, this choral setting of Wilberg's arrangement presents the popular Welsh hymn (Cwm Rhondda) with two English translation options, reflecting text preferences of different denominations. The accompaniment and harmonies provide a new flavour, and a reflective opening gradually gives way to a powerful sense of reverence. Guide me, O thou great Jehovah features on the Deutsche Grammophon album Homeward Bound, in an arrangement for baritone (Bryn Terfel) and choir.

for SATB wordless chorus, viola solo, and orchestra A suite for solo viola, wordless chorus (SATB), and small orchestra, Flos Campi is one of Vaughan Williams's most enigmatic pieces. Although the six movements all borrow their titles from the Old Testament's Song of Solomon, the chorus never articulates a single word. Instead, it serves as a section of the orchestra, creating an elegant vocal texture and backdrop to the viola's haunting solo lines. The work was premiered in October 1925 by the violist Lionel Tertis, singers from the RCM, and the Queen's Hall Orchestra, directed by Sir Henry Wood.

for SSAA and piano Here in my Heart is an uplifting and optimistic setting of an original text by the composer that explores the power of the natural world to fill the heart with song. The evocative melody perfectly complements the theme of the text and uses duplets and syncopated rhythms to create a lilting sense of ebb and flow. The rippling piano part and increasingly rich textures build to bring the piece to an emotive close.

for SATB (with opt. solos) and organ or piano, or with small orchestra or chamber group A Light in the Stable tells the Christmas story through a blend of original settings and well-known carols, and is suitable for both concert and church choirs. The familiar Gospel words (which may be spoken, sung, or replaced with other appropriate readings) are interspersed with a range of new material, including the lively 'Glory to God'; 'Sing Lullaby', in which Mary foreshadows the events of Jesus' life; and the reflective 'A Light for Today', an evocation of the Nativity tableau. The audience/congregation are encouraged to join in for some carols, and choir and listeners will delight in the new settings of familiar words. A range of soloists may optionally take some of the vocal lines, and the accompaniment is equally flexible. A wonderful companion to Bullard's Advent celebration, O Come, Emmanuel, this work is perfect for anyone looking for a new take on familiar Christmas words and melodies.

for SATB and organ or orchestra This noble and patriotic piece is a setting of the well-known tune 'America' (also known as the British National Anthem). Wilberg opens effectively with solo unison men, and the accompaniment creeps in quietly. A women's verse then follows, before full choral homophony creates an atmosphere of worship and optimism. Orchestral material is available on hire/rental.

for soprano solo, SATB, and optional organ This is a peaceful setting of the Latin hymn text, translated by J. M. Neale. Partially based on the plainsong melody Conditur alme siderum, the music features sonorous harmonies, subtle time changes, and fluid choral homophony, with a beautiful soprano solo that floats over the other voices. The work may be performed unaccompanied or with organ doubling the voices (excluding the solo line). It is suitable for both general use and Christmas.

for SSA and piano The Sun and Stars Are Mine is a lyrical setting of words by the metaphysical poet and clergyman Thomas Traherne (1637-74). With a rippling piano accompaniment, melodious vocal lines, and warm harmonies, Chilcott's setting captures the wonder in the text, as Traherne reflects with awe on the transient nature of life: 'When silent I so many thousand years, . . . how could I lips or hands or eyes or ears perceive?'

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Setting a specially written text by Charles Bennett, this gentle lullaby reflects on the role of the animals and angels in the nativity, compelling us to follow their lead and create our own Christmas scene wherever we are. Chilcott's choral writing is characteristically warm and lush, with some divisi, and the singable melodies are shared between the parts. Song of the Crib features on the Naxos CD of Bob Chilcott's Christmas music, The Rose in the Middle of Winter.

for tenor solo and SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This reflective winter carol features a prominent melody line, taken in two verses by the tenor soloist, which is supported by a gentle accompanying figure in the other voices. The minor tonality reflects the sentiments of the newly written text by Charles Bennett; while we can present temporary gifts for the child of winter, only his arrival will bring 'our summer without end'.

for SATB and piano four-hands or orchestra This joyful take on the festive favourite would be the perfect ending to any Christmas concert. The choir grows from unison to eight parts, and a string of modulations keeps the audience on their toes. The orchestration features sleigh bells and brass interjections. Jingle, Bells features on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's album with Alfie Boe, Home for the Holidays.

Music as Prayer explores the spiritual and theological character of church music. Author Thomas H. Troeger-a theologian, preacher, poet and flutist-traces how making and listening to music can be an act of prayer, a way of sensing the irrepressible resilience of the divine vitalities, in down-to-earth language that everyone can enjoy. The book employs a wide range of perspectives: from scientific observations about the affect of music on the brain, to the insights of early church fathers about the place of music in worship, to the compositions of great composers and their reflections upon their art, to the Bible and theologians, to organists, choir directors and instrumentalists, to hymnists and poets. Listening to the wisdom of these varied tribes, Troeger finds them to be a cloud of witnesses, a choir giving testimony to how music puts the human heart in touch with the spirit in times of sorrow and seeking, in times of joy and gratitude. The book is addressed to listeners and performers alike, instrumentalists and singers, clergy and seminarians, worship committees and congregation members, scholars and teachers of liturgy and sacred music. It helps musicians and clergy to develop a mutual understanding of the theological and spiritual dimensions of their collaborative work. As a whole, the book celebrates the ministry of making music that awakens people to those gifts of the spirit that sustain hope, promote healing, and enliven a visionary faith in the possibility of a transformed world.

for SSATB (with divisions) unaccompanied A setting of one of the seven Advent 'O' Antiphons, O Oriens makes use of luxurious and exotic harmonies, creating a shimmering texture reminiscent of the biblical Morning Star referenced in the title. The focus on human enlightenment in winter's darkness means the piece is equally suitable for secular celebrations of Christmas. It was commissioned for the Choir of Merton College, Oxford, and in 2013 was shortlisted for a British Composer Award.

for SA and piano This thoughtful arrangement of the well-known spiritual 'Somebody's knockin' at yo' do'' was originally published as part of the collection Spirituals for Upper Voices. The two vocal lines are eminently singable, with melodic interest in both parts, making the arrangement ideal for both children's and women's choirs of all levels of experience. Containing a recognisable knocking motif, the piano part is expressive, harmonically interesting, and supportive.

for upper-voice choir, SATB choir, piano, and optional timpani Setting a newly written text by Charles Bennett, this fifteen-minute choral work takes singers on a journey through five historical events: the invention of printing, the abolition of slavery, the first powered flight, the discovery of penicillin, and the first man in space. In each movement, music and words come together to create a strikingly vivid and personal account of each protagonist's experience, from the printer seeing 'each letter like a person' to the astronaut commenting on the beauty of our planet from space. Chilcott's music is as captivating as ever, with energy in abundance alongside moments of clarity and stillness. This is an ideal concert work for choirs looking to perform with an upper-voice group, or for larger SATB choruses with divisi sopranos and altos. The optional timpani part is printed separately at the back of the score.

for SATB and organ or orchestra or unaccompanied This anthology of 9 mixed-voice anthems combines new material written specially for the collection with established favourites from the Oxford catalogue, some of which appear here for the first time with SATB scoring. Containing both accompanied and a cappella pieces, and with festive anthems (with keyboard or orchestral accompaniment) alongside short, gentle blessings, Mack Wilberg Anthems contains an attractive selection of pieces suitable for a variety of liturgical seasons and will appeal to all mixed-voice church choirs.

for SATB (with optional solos) and organ or piano or small orchestra or chamber group O Come, Emmanuel is an Advent Celebration, suitable for both church and concert choirs. It is based on the 7 Great 'O' Antiphons, and fragments of the well-known plainsong hymn permeate the work. To these, Bullard has added settings of a number of other Advent texts and hymns, including the beautiful 'There is a rose-tree', a rousing setting of 'Chanticleer Carol', and new arrangements of 'Gabriel's Message' and 'Joy to the world!'. The work may be sung throughout by SATB choir, or a range of soloists may take some of the lines. The accompaniment - for organ or piano, or with small orchestra or chamber group - is equally flexible. A number of the movements make highly effective separate pieces and anthems. Written with the composer's long and practical experience, O Come, Emmanuel is a strikingly original work for Advent and Christmas that will enhance both liturgical celebrations and concert programmes at this time.

for SATB and organ This is a new original setting of the well-known Christmas text, translated from Polish by Edith Reed. With a gentle melody, warm harmonies, and a graceful organ accompaniment, Infant Holy will make a moving feature in any mixed-voice choir's Christmas festivities, and is a fresh alternative to the famous Polish carol.

for SS and organ This gentle carol sets the text of Isaac Watts' popular 'Cradle Song' to the music of Charles Villiers Stanford's lullaby, 'Golden slumbers, kiss your eyes', from his Six Songs (op. 19), written in 1882. In Moore's arrangement, the graceful, lilting melody is enhanced by sensitive choral harmonies that explore a variety of textures. Also available for SATB.

for SATB and organ Setting an original text by the composer, this exuberant carol celebrates the birth of Jesus with a lively tempo and bouncing rhythms. Featuring a spirited organ part and a variety of choral textures, Angels tell the Christmas story is ideal for both concert and liturgical use, and is sure to fill audiences with Christmas joy!