2023 ACDA Reading List Selections

A beautiful and moving setting of the Rainer Maria Rilke poem in German, this original a cappella concert work uses the full range of tonal color painting, creating a work worthy of the very best choirs.

We welcome Hyun Kook to the Hinshaw catalogue.  This advanced setting of the traditional Latin is scored for unaccompanied mixed chorus (soprano divisi) and is taken from a longer Missa

A mythological song about two heavenly steeds of a god's sons, this selection is a calm, meditative rendering that is almost mystical. The Latvian modality permeates the song with an eloquent tension

Based on a traditional Hawaiian chant with original music, this rousing work for advanced treble choirs brings all the drama of a volcanic eruption normally associated with destruction. But in Hawaiian

Rhythmic energy abounds in this exciting setting of a simple "Alleluia" text. Set in 10/8, the asymmetrical meter gives a repetitive groove that is engaging and fun to sing for each voice part. Dynamic

A strong unifying text from Colleen Carhuff will be dear to the hearts of singers with its sentiments such as "No notes are as connected as the souls that sing them, and no soul is happier than when

April (I Love You) is a setting of a poem originally entitled "I love you" by one of America's most celebrated authors, Sara Teasdale (1884–1933). Born in St Louis, this accomplished and much

Serving as an unofficial anthem, this beloved Korean folk song is creatively set by one of Korea's top female composers. This arrangement begins with beautiful, flowing unison vocal lines and simple

Send your singers on a music theory scavenger hunt! This work is based on a repeating motive that you can find in the vocal parts as well as the piano: scale degrees (in this order) 1-2-3-2-1. Can you see

Taken from Will Todd's larger work, Songs of Peace, this beautiful fourth movement stands alone as a gorgeous piece for two-part treble choirs. The Latin text sparkles in a contemporary

This energetic and celebratory piece opens in a 7/8 that absolutely dances and graciously returns for a joyous conclusion after the middle section poetically expresses the beauty of creation. The SATB

Framed as a letter from a teacher to her young students, this text is brimming with descriptive phrases and inspirational thoughts. The musical setting partners with the youthful exuberance of the text with

Inspired by the text of poet E. Pauline Johnson, Sarah Quartel has created an energetic and fun piece for a cappella voices. Melodic elements and counter melodies are shared between the voices in a

Harriet Prescott Spofford's poem describes a young woman who discovers a bold new world of thrilling beauty when she ventures beyond her familiar walls. Accompanied by piano and optional violin, cello,

This simple setting of the well-known poem from George Herbert's The Temple features sweeping melodies and an extended organ introduction. The melody is taken up first by upper voices, then full

This moving selection features a smoothly flowing harmonic texture that courses throughout the piece. Warm and enveloping, The Song You Loved will be the song you love singing.

In a light-hearted style, the music mirrors Mom's emotions as she considers the various challenges her offspring might face. Perfect for spring/graduation concerts.

This popular Hungarian folk song, rich melodically and rhythmically, will work well with a variety of ages. An English translation is included. 

This is a song of praise written in a distinguished, elegant style that has become a hallmark of the composer. With text from the book of James and 1 Corinthians, this is a stunning contemporary madrigal

The De Profundis text includes excerpts from the Psalms that amount to a call to God to hear our prayers and be merciful. This setting is captivating and distinctively original. The rhythmic playfulness

This moving arrangement of a beloved spiritual speaks with authenticity. With deep rich harmonies and extended ranges, it will challenge and satisfy the mature ensemble.