A couple of years ago, around this time of year, actually, I was having a particularly awful day. I won’t bore you with the details, but let’s just say I was dealing with some pretty heartbreaking family drama, work was pretty crappy at the ...

A beautiful song composed by Fr. Donatus Chukwuedo highlighting on the total submission of priests of God, in all circumstances, to the vocation of the Catholic Priesthood (instituted by Christ Jesus, the high Priest, at the Lord's Supper. Now commemorate...  moreA beautiful song composed by Fr. Donatus Chukwuedo highlighting on the total submission of priests of God, in all circumstances, to the vocation of the Catholic Priesthood (instituted by Christ Jesus, the high Priest, at the Lord's Supper. Now commemorated on the Holy Thursday). This song is premiered by Friends of St. Val (FSV).  

Regarded as one of the finest masterpieces of all Western Music, this passion setting brings to music the text of Matthew 26 and 27 concerning the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The evangelist tells the story, arias convey the inner feelings of us h...  moreRegarded as one of the finest masterpieces of all Western Music, this passion setting brings to music the text of Matthew 26 and 27 concerning the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The evangelist tells the story, arias convey the inner feelings of us humans as we gaze upon the Golgotha scene and choruses and chorales reflect on our own place in the drama. Bach's incredible work of art stands alone in its complete telling of the crucifixion story in a manner which stirs and moves the soul of the performer and listener. This is a mountaintop experience not to be missed.  less

Festival internacional de Coros Gustavo Gómez Ardila Colombia 2012

An award-winning choral work by Canadian composer Jeff Smallman. Available through Kelman Hall publishing.

Omukiro Kyobwaro (in the readings of today) is a sacred song from the indigenous Bwisi dialect, who are the people from Rwenzori Mountains, Bundibudyo District of Uganda. The song emphasises the greatness of Jesus Christ through his word.

Regarded as one of the finest masterpieces of all Western Music, this passion setting brings to music the text of Matthew 26 and 27 concerning the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The evangelist tells the story, arias convey the inner feelings of us h...  moreRegarded as one of the finest masterpieces of all Western Music, this passion setting brings to music the text of Matthew 26 and 27 concerning the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The evangelist tells the story, arias convey the inner feelings of us humans as we gaze upon the Golgotha scene and choruses and chorales reflect on our own place in the drama. Bach's incredible work of art stands alone in its complete telling of the crucifixion story in a manner which stirs and moves the soul of the performer and listener. This is a mountaintop experience not to be missed.  less

-------- english translation -------- Recitative: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem - Matthew 2:1 KJV Trio: Saying, Where is he that is born King of th...  more-------- english translation -------- Recitative: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem - Matthew 2:1 KJV Trio: Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. - Matthew 2:2 KJV Chorus: There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, [that will splinter sovereigns and cities] - Numbers 24:17 KJV Choral: How lovely shines the Morning Star! The nations see and hail afar The light in Judah shining. Thou David's Son of Jacob's race, My Bridegroom and my King of Grace, for Thee my heart is pining. Lowly, Holy, great and glorious, Thou victorious Prince of graces, Filling all the heavenly places.  less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Gareth Malone returned to UK television back in 2013 with a second series of The Choir: Sing While You work. The choirmaster went into five different...

[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...