Music for Virtual Choir

Owain Park

Hello singers! In isolation, I have been thinking about some new music for choirs that can’t meet in person but are getting together digitally.

I will be writing a series of pieces with these forces in mind. The first piece, called Night Prayer, is uses two versions of the ancient plainchant, ‘Te lucis ante terminum’ (Before the ending of the day), set against gently hummed textures and slow-moving harmonies.

I hope you like the piece. Please send me a recording if you manage to make one! I’d welcome any other feedback too, including what I should set next.

Stay healthy and safe!

Owain

DOWNLOAD VIRTUAL CHOIR PDFs

1. Night Prayer (view PDF)

Notes for choirs: give time and space for each idea to settle before moving on to the next phrase. This piece was designed to be unconducted, but feel free to experiment with different forces. Hopefully everything should fit together with a good deal of freedom!

OTHER SELECTED COMPOSITIONS

Beati quorum via (2014) – SSATB Read More
Commissioned by Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust for the Countess of Wessex
Publisher: Novello
Recordings: The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge; Stephen Layton
Duration: 04:30

Holy is the true light (2018) – SATB divisi Read More
For Nigel Short and Tenebrae
Publisher: Novello
Recordings: Tenebrae
Duration: 05:30

Phos hilaron (2015) – SATB divisi Read More
Commissioned by Stephen Layton and The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge
Recordings: The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge; Stephen Layton
Duration: 09:00 (full version); 02:00 (chant version)
Publisher: Novello
Programme note

See here for a complete list of works.

SUPPORT

I hope this music proves interesting and enjoyable during this difficult time. Due to COVID-19, all of my work over the next two months has been cancelled or postponed, and I fear that there will be more cancellations beyond that.

Like many of my colleagues, I am facing an uncertain future and would be grateful for any support you might be able to offer.

If you enjoyed this music, then please consider supporting my work at https://www.paypal.me/owainpark.

Obviously I am in no way uniquely affected. There are a number of charities doing fine work to support the needs of musicians, and I would be delighted if you felt able to support them.