for SATB unaccompanied – With a text by Thomas Campion, 'View me, Lord' is a tender prayer characterized by its sensitive text-setting. Each verse features a change in voicing, rhythm, and harmony, while the ever-changing metre provides a feeling of fluidity.

Performed by Commotio Chamber Choir, directed by Griselda Sherlaw-Johnson

for SATB and piano – With a text by the composer, this declamatory Christmas piece provides a fresh take on the nativity story. The cacophony of choral sound in the polyphonic middle section is akin perhaps to the angelic announcement of Jesus's birth, leading to an emphatic closing proclamation 'Gloria! in excelsis Deo!'.

Performed by Luther College Collegiate Chorale, directed by Dr Jennaya Robison

for SATB (with S. solo) unaccompanied – This thought-provoking carol takes up the topical theme of the plight of refugees, drawing parallels with the stories and reception of Christ's birth. The text, by the composer, alludes to familiar lines from the Coventry Carol, rooting the piece in tradition while encouraging us to consider our present.

Performed by Commotio Chamber Choir, directed by Griselda Sherlaw-Johnson

for SATB (with divisions) and piano – This imaginative through-composed setting of a poem by 13th-century Persian poet Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī is rich in dramatic potential. The composer creates a mysterious and evocative soundworld that is fitting for the realm 'where everything is music' that this ecstatic poem describes.

Performed by Luther College Collegiate Chorale, directed by Dr Jennaya Robison

for SSATB unaccompanied – 'Peace in the world' is the expressive middle movement from 'Images of Peace ', which is a cycle of five songs that encourage peace and understanding. Although composed for secular use, this beautifully simple and homophonic movement could be equally suited to use as an ecumenical church anthem.

Performed by Commotio Chamber Choir, directed by Griselda Sherlaw-Johnson

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied – In this ethereal, atmospheric setting of Canadian poet Marjorie Pickthall's 'Stars', Oliver Tarney displays great sensitivity to the poem's vivid imagery and employs an evocative harmonic language that perfectly captures the beauty and wonder that the poet describes.

Performed by Luther College Collegiate Chorale, directed by Dr Jennaya Robison

for tenor solo and SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied – Setting a beautiful text by Charles Bennett, this is a gentle, optimistic piece that remembers those lost to conflict and looks encouragingly towards peace. The tenor solo is supported by vocal accompaniment with oscillating harmonies and warm melodic figures.

Performed by Commotio Chamber Choir, directed by Griselda Sherlaw-Johnson

for SATB unaccompanied – Originally published in 'Sun, Moon, Sea, and Stars', this piece sets a poem by Sara Teasdale that likens a heart seeking its love to a swallow's cry. Chydenius's rich harmonies, syncopated melodies, and modal inflections paint an image of the starry night, while the underpinning bass ostinato provides rhythmic drive.

Performed by Oxford Choir, directed by Bob Chilcott

for SATB unaccompanied – In this bittersweet pastoral setting Bednall's flowing melody lines are paired with the tender words of the contemplative First World War poet, Siegfried Sasson. The 5/4 metre lends a wistful whimsical feel to the music, allowing the piece to flow freely.

Performed by Commotio Chamber Choir, directed by Griselda Sherlaw-Johnson

for SATB and piano – This is a beautiful setting of an evocative poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the symbolization of hope as a bird. Quartel offers soaring melodic lines, rich harmonies, and a fluttering accompaniment to illustrate the persistence of hope even through hardship.

Performed by Ely Consort, directed by Sarah MacDonald