One of the true masters of American art song, Ned Rorem has set this Edna St. Vincent Millay text for unison voices and piano. The effect of a unison line against Rorem's inventive harmonies on the piano emphasizes the beauty of the young voice. Simple to the eye, complex and engaging to the ear. Duration: ca. 8:00.

Composer: Ned Rorem

David Del Tredici writes: "My setting of the 1727 New England Primer's Alphabet might horrify its Puritan author by transforming its simple text into an exuberant tour de force. Its 26 couplets tumble upon one another in tight three-part counterpoint, testing the young performers' range and endurance alike."

Composer: David Del Tredici

This work explores the curiosity and optimism of childhood. I shall sing to the beauty of the world. To the soft whisper of the earth. Beauty in the morning rising...sighing.

Composer: Elizabeth Ziman

This work is scored for a professional children's choir, or a women's chorus, guiro(s) and harp and is based on a folk song from northern Shaanxi Province in China. The music is a simple rhythmic towing song sung by boat-trackers along the river and is noted for its vivid reflection of the tempestuous turbulence of the river.

Arranger: Francisco Núñez

Here is a brief work for 4-part treble chorus that sets out to portray the happy, nostalgic character of a Dorothy Parker text. A great one-minute encore piece. Duration: ca. 1:00.

Composer: Samuel Adler

A conceptual piece that utilizes Thompson's technique of "soundpainting," a system for conducting, composing and shaping improvisation during performance. First performed by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, Francisco J. Nunez conductor. Written in non-traditional notation.

Composer: Walter Thompson

from Del Tredici's program notes: The sense of moment is emphasized by augmenting the choral forces with a soprano soloist and pianist, who open the work with an extended aria. The ensuing choral commentary and soprano cadenza lead to a repetition and climactic development of the aria theme, now shared by chorus, soloist and piano equally. ... Here, the enging is a triumphant C-major chord, capped by a high C for all the sopranos.

Composer: David Del Tredici

This setting of The Angel, from William Blake's Songs of Experience, communicates a dreamlike state through intricate harmonies and textures. Both energetic and reflective, this is challenging and highly rewarding music. With piano; optional electronic accompaniment materials also available.

Composer: Tod Machover

The three miracles of the text, a single footprint in new fallen snow, a pair of birds singing in parallel thirds and three roses blooming in winter express a kind of magic realism somewhere between the possible and the fanciful.

Composer: Nils Vigeland

Written for the Young People's Chorus of New York City, this piece puts the listener in the midst of a playground, listening in on the thoughts of the children running past; the sweetness, the conflict, the questions, the energy, the indomitable spirit of the urban child. Includes parts for Trumpet/Cornet and Percussion. An accompaniment for Brass Quintet (2 tpt, hrn, tbn, tba), Percussion and Tape/CD is available on rental from the publisher. Duration: ca. 10:00.

Composer: Kevin James

The composer writes: Set to a text by E.Y. Yip Harburg, lyricist of the film The Wizard of Oz and the musical Finian's Rainbow, this work looks forward to one sweet morning when, out of the flags and the bones buried under the clover, spring will bloomPeace will come. It is an exalted prayer for the future, and when sung by young people who are the future, has special meaning.

Composer: John Corigliano

From an interview with the composer: "As the concluding lines of the poem make clear, the weary housewife is deaf and blind to the miracle of Orpheus and the peaceable kingdom he creates through music. That vision is only seen through the eyes and heard through the ears of the child."

Composer: Dominick Argento

An upbeat piece with rhythms and vocal patterns that represent the varied cycles of life and exemplify the meaning of Panta Rhei - all things are in flux. Performance Time: Approx. 3:30

Arranger: Jim Papoulis

Arranger: Francisco J. Nunez

Commissioned by the Young People's Chorus of New York, composer Bruce Adolphe and lyricist Louise Gikow have created a comical tribute to choral singers and conductors everywhere. The concept of the piece is that the singers tell their thoughts about singing the piece, while singing it. Irony is found everywhere. A challenging yet humorous work for school and community treble choruses. Duration: ca. 7:30. Performed by PALS Children's Chorus, Boston, Alysoun Kegel, conductor.

Composer: Bruce Adolphe | Performed By: 48005106

Songs of the Seasons is a brief suite for children's chorus based on the words of Janet Freeman, chair of the English Department at Denison University. Samuel Adler selected the poems especially for urban children who don't often think about the way the year develops in nature. Includes: Fall, The Late Year, Rain, Summer.

Composer: Samuel Adler

The title is inspired by Tembandumba de la Quimbamba, the main character of a poem by master Puerto Rican poet, Luis Pales Matos. The music alternates between chanting and singing. The two soloists - soprano and alto - plus a pair of Cuban claves add contrast and color to this lively a cappella work. Duration: ca. 8:00. Performed by Young People's Chorus of NYC, Francisco Núñez, conductor.

Composer: Paquito D'Rivera

Derived from a poem by William Carlos Williams, Mackey's first work for treble chorus is inspired by a counterpoint between the elements of stillness and movement. With woodwind quintet, harp, triangles, finger cymbals.

Composer: Steven Mackey

From Del Tredici's Program notes: "In this traumatic post-9/11 world, I felt an urge to connect with, and even comfort, the youngest generation of budding musicians. Heart and felt are two words that directed my choice of texts: I wanted to tell something about myself, as well as about the joys of childhood ... Stevenson's "The Little Land" re-creates the imaginitive world that to daydreaming children seems so natural."

Arranger: Francisco J. Nunez

Composer: Benjamin Lees50498586

The young composer's own text is a reflection of her imaginings and feelings about antiquite from a young person's perspective. With finger cymbals and claves.

Arranger: Francisco J. Nunez

A part of the Transient Glory series of compositions commissioned by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, this work celebrates the joys of urban life. Composed by Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, it is an inspiring, joyous piece combining a multitude of styles including pop, rap, Broadway, contemporary classical and more. Duration: ca. 4:30.

Composer: Lynn Ahrens

Elena Kats-Chernin wrote this for her son, diagnosed with mental illness, wishing the label to be taken off his back. The combination of syllables reflects the emotions and turmoil of his condition.

Arranger: Francisco J. Nunez

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Composer: John Corigiano