Elegy For a Lost Child

This composition is borne out of the loss of my infant son Joshua. It evinces the grief of parents, with the mother represented by the alto soloist and the father represented by the baritone. However, it is also a work about hope and faith, where the grief of loss is intermingled with the conviction that "we will see you once again", concluding in a humble prayer of "alleluia." This composition is deeply personal but also representative of a more universal experience, taking inspiration from a shared journey with other parents who have encountered loss. 

Click here for an interview with Dr. Joel Tranquilla about the debut of this piece with the Halifax Camerata Singers.

This piece is suited for an intermediate to advanced choir.

Psalm 129

 (De profundis)

This composition for mixed chorus is in three movements:

I - De profundis (AATTBBBB)

II  - Sustinuit anima mea (SSSAAATTTBBB)

III - Quia apud Dominum (SSAATTBB)

The Latin text is from Psalm 129 in the Vulgate (or Psalm 130 in the Hebrew numbering of the Psalms). Click here for a complete translation. 

This work is most suited for an advanced choir.

The recordings are by ensemble 2021 under the direction of Associate Conductor Rob Workman.

The Lord Bless You and Keep You

This composition is for mixed chorus and is suitable for choirs of all levels. It was written initially for the retirement of a CEO at a Christian charitable organization and was performed in a surprise "flash mob" style with individual  voice parts entering one-by-one at the opening.

The audio is a  sample generated by the composition software for reference purposes.

The Seven Joys of Mary

The composition for men's voices (TTTBBBB) is a traditional carol set for seven male parts. Voices enter one-by-one on a each new verse, creating a layered effect. It is most suitable for an intermediate choir or a beginner choir with confident singers.

The recording is by the Valley Festival Singers under the direction of Dr. Joel Tranquilla.

Weep Not for Me, O Mother

This composition for mixed chorus (SSSAATTTBB) is a Christian Orthodox hymn sung on Great and Holy Saturday Matins prior to Orthodox Pascha (Easter). It poetically depicts Christ consoling His mother while on the cross, with the climatic phrase "for I shall arise!" This composition is suitable for a strong intermediate to advanced choir.

The audio is a  sample generated by the composition software for reference purposes.

Holy Mountain 

(in development)

This work is in development. I've completed the first three movements (provided here)  out of a planned 7 movements. This work is a collaborative effort with Orthodox poet and priest Fr. Richard Rene. It is a reflection on Orthodox monasticism as an image of the universal struggle of faith, with the "Holy Mountain" (a centre of Orthodox monasticism in Greece) as a metaphor for the human heart. 

The Holy Mountain is intended to be performed with singers surrounding the audience to provide an immersive experience (detailed performance notes will be provided with the final score).  It includes a several unique stylistic features, including antiphony, asynchronous parts, use of Byzantine chant, irregular meters (most of the work does not show a time signature), multiple languages, and a blend of ancient and modern modalities. This work will require an advanced choir  who is willing to take on some unique and challenging performance techniques.

The audio samples provided are generated by the composition software I used. However, note that these samples are unable to adequately capture some of the compositional techniques and are provided as a reference only.