Competition Results 2019
Congratulations to all the talented composers who submitted entries for A Hymn For Mercy 2019.
The task of this year’s competition was to write a new setting of Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling for choir and congregation. An astounding 104 entries were received, and the judges had the challenging task of singing and playing through each piece.
The first prize was awarded to two composers:
Larry Visser from the US is a well-known and prolific organist and composer with work published by Morning Star Publications and GIA Publications. His setting was simple and elegant, with a very memorable and finely-crafted melodic line that returned in a refrain for congregation. Larry's setting was scored for SATB choir and congregation with organ and optional oboe. For a full biography, click here.
Helder Oliveira from Brazil is currently completing doctoral studies in composition at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro whose award-winning work encompasses vocal, choral and orchestral music. His setting, for SATB choir and congregation, featured a lush piano accompaniment over which the melody evolves out of the final note of each previous phrase. For a full biography, click here.
The task of this year’s competition was to write a new setting of Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling for choir and congregation. An astounding 104 entries were received, and the judges had the challenging task of singing and playing through each piece.
The first prize was awarded to two composers:
Larry Visser from the US is a well-known and prolific organist and composer with work published by Morning Star Publications and GIA Publications. His setting was simple and elegant, with a very memorable and finely-crafted melodic line that returned in a refrain for congregation. Larry's setting was scored for SATB choir and congregation with organ and optional oboe. For a full biography, click here.
Helder Oliveira from Brazil is currently completing doctoral studies in composition at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro whose award-winning work encompasses vocal, choral and orchestral music. His setting, for SATB choir and congregation, featured a lush piano accompaniment over which the melody evolves out of the final note of each previous phrase. For a full biography, click here.
One final piece was very highly commended by the judges:
Jonathan Posthuma's setting of the text featured a an exciting, flowing organ accompaniment which was punctuated by bright, triumphant choral harmonies. The simple melody of the first verse, was embellished with imitation in the second verse, and accompanied by a descant in the third verse, which emphasizes its rising line. The harmonic relationship between the three verses is emblematic of the Trinity (Eb, G, and E are related by thirds or chromatic mediant relationships).
The Schola from St Joseph's Mercy Secondary School Navan will perform the winning hymns during May 2020.
Jonathan Posthuma's setting of the text featured a an exciting, flowing organ accompaniment which was punctuated by bright, triumphant choral harmonies. The simple melody of the first verse, was embellished with imitation in the second verse, and accompanied by a descant in the third verse, which emphasizes its rising line. The harmonic relationship between the three verses is emblematic of the Trinity (Eb, G, and E are related by thirds or chromatic mediant relationships).
The Schola from St Joseph's Mercy Secondary School Navan will perform the winning hymns during May 2020.