Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship
@fpcd-virtual.bsky.social
The Virtual Choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Downey, CA. Companion feed to our YouTube channel, Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVSfMBY7mEwAQN5GBNnYtLQ
Our virtual choir's latest recording is Heather Sorenson's setting of Amber R. Maxwell's anthem of assurance, "This Love of God" youtu.be/M3q9Bxa1H68
This Love of God (Amber R. Maxwell/arr. Heather Sorenson)
YouTube video by Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship
youtu.be
February 27, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Our virtual choir's latest recording is Heather Sorenson's setting of Amber R. Maxwell's anthem of assurance, "This Love of God" youtu.be/M3q9Bxa1H68
Our virtual choir’s first recording of 2025 is Adam Podd’s wondrous arrangement of Bob Dylan’s classic “The Times They Are A-Changin’”, which Dylan wrote as an anthem of change in 1964. It seems entirely appropriate for this moment in time.
The Times They Are A Changin’ (Bob Dylan/arr. Adam Podd)
YouTube video by Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship
youtu.be
February 2, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Our virtual choir’s first recording of 2025 is Adam Podd’s wondrous arrangement of Bob Dylan’s classic “The Times They Are A-Changin’”, which Dylan wrote as an anthem of change in 1964. It seems entirely appropriate for this moment in time.
Our virtual choir's Christmas Eve recording is composer Dan Forrest's setting of poet Rebekah Pringle's Christmas text, "A Cradle Carol" youtu.be/sbbAo8JJUPs
A Cradle Carol (Dan Forrest/Rebekah Pringle)
YouTube video by Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship
youtu.be
December 25, 2024 at 3:14 AM
Our virtual choir's Christmas Eve recording is composer Dan Forrest's setting of poet Rebekah Pringle's Christmas text, "A Cradle Carol" youtu.be/sbbAo8JJUPs
Our virtual choir's latest offering features "Shepherd's Pipe Carol," one of venerable composer John Rutter's first published compositions (1966), and still one of his most whimsical. youtu.be/VMHHHO-HBPM
Shepherd's Pipe Carol (John Rutter)
YouTube video by Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship
youtu.be
December 22, 2024 at 10:29 PM
Our virtual choir's latest offering features "Shepherd's Pipe Carol," one of venerable composer John Rutter's first published compositions (1966), and still one of his most whimsical. youtu.be/VMHHHO-HBPM
Our virtual choir's latest anthem is American composer Jessica Nelson's setting of the 15th century English carol "There is No Rose of Such Virtue" youtu.be/iyTEmibwVao
There is No Rose of Such Virtue (Jessica Nelson)
YouTube video by Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship
youtu.be
November 19, 2024 at 7:19 AM
Our virtual choir's latest anthem is American composer Jessica Nelson's setting of the 15th century English carol "There is No Rose of Such Virtue" youtu.be/iyTEmibwVao
American composer Mary McDonald's anthem Let the Song of Praise Be Heard is an adaptation of Psalm 100 that provides a full-throated paean to the Lord Our God. youtu.be/z2EP6fZJQoc
Let the Song of Praise Be Heard (Mary McDonald)
YouTube video by Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship
youtu.be
November 15, 2024 at 10:33 PM
American composer Mary McDonald's anthem Let the Song of Praise Be Heard is an adaptation of Psalm 100 that provides a full-throated paean to the Lord Our God. youtu.be/z2EP6fZJQoc
Our virtual choir's latest anthem, Heather Sorenson's "I Am Your Child," is often evocative of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but from the son's point of view.
I Am Your Child (Heather Sorenson)
YouTube video by Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship
youtu.be
September 30, 2024 at 5:20 AM
Our virtual choir's latest anthem, Heather Sorenson's "I Am Your Child," is often evocative of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but from the son's point of view.
American composer Michael Bailey sets William Walford's classic text of "Sweet Hour of Prayer" to a new melody in our virtual choir's latest recording youtu.be/Ef3DoQ_tMNE
Sweet Hour of Prayer (Bailey)
YouTube video by Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship
youtu.be
September 6, 2024 at 7:59 PM
American composer Michael Bailey sets William Walford's classic text of "Sweet Hour of Prayer" to a new melody in our virtual choir's latest recording youtu.be/Ef3DoQ_tMNE
John Schimminger, the hymnist/composer-in-residence at St. John's-Grace Episcopal Church in Buffalo, NY, composed this shimmering setting of Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to Me, All Who Labor" youtu.be/vgRAKim-RCY
Come to Me, All Who Labor (John Schimminger)
YouTube video by Choral Anthems for Virtual Worship
youtu.be
August 23, 2024 at 9:33 PM
John Schimminger, the hymnist/composer-in-residence at St. John's-Grace Episcopal Church in Buffalo, NY, composed this shimmering setting of Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to Me, All Who Labor" youtu.be/vgRAKim-RCY
Virtual instruments (trumpets and organ) are playing full-tilt in our virtual choir's recording of the Allen Pote classic, "God is Our Refuge" youtu.be/ggVvrAgjYkc
God is Our Refuge (Allen Pote)
God is Our Refuge, by Allen Pote, lyrics by Jay Johnson; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contributions from: Rebecca King Som...
youtu.be
July 27, 2024 at 1:01 AM
Virtual instruments (trumpets and organ) are playing full-tilt in our virtual choir's recording of the Allen Pote classic, "God is Our Refuge" youtu.be/ggVvrAgjYkc
Michael Bailey's arrangement of "His Eye is On the Sparrow," by Charles H. Gabriel, lyrics by Civilla D. Martin, exhibits his usual fine part-writing in service of this classic hymn
His Eye is On the Sparrow (Charles H. Gabriel/Civilla D. Martin, arr. Michael Bailey)
His Eye is On the Sparrow, by Charles H. Gabriel, lyrics by Civilla D. Martin, arranged by Michael Bailey; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC D...
youtu.be
July 5, 2024 at 10:26 PM
Michael Bailey's arrangement of "His Eye is On the Sparrow," by Charles H. Gabriel, lyrics by Civilla D. Martin, exhibits his usual fine part-writing in service of this classic hymn
Our virtual choir's latest recording, "Order My Steps (In Your Word)" by Glenn Burleigh, and arranged by Jack Schrader, was a nominee for the Dove Awards Song of the Year in 1995. youtu.be/9kGGBbYdlXw
Order My Steps (In Your Word) (arr. Jack Schrader)
Order My Steps (In Your Word), by Glenn Burleigh, arranged by Jack Schrader; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contributions from: Rebecca King Sommer, soprano; Julmina Elizabeth Marcelo, alto; Marius Evangelista, tenor; Norm Evangelista, bass, piano, and GarageBand.Video background by Vimeo-Free-Videos from Pixabayhttps://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=video&utm_content=899
youtu.be
June 28, 2024 at 6:15 PM
Our virtual choir's latest recording, "Order My Steps (In Your Word)" by Glenn Burleigh, and arranged by Jack Schrader, was a nominee for the Dove Awards Song of the Year in 1995. youtu.be/9kGGBbYdlXw
In As a Song Among the Trees, American composer Joseph M. Martin makes several poetic allusions about the Holy Spirit: "As a song among the trees/a rare and noble theme/the Spirit sings with gentle voice/and wakes in us a dream" youtu.be/uJbzWN35eQM
As a Song Among the Trees (Joseph M. Martin)
As a Song Among the Trees, by Joseph M. Martin; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contributions from: Rebecca King Sommer, sopr...
youtu.be
May 18, 2024 at 12:32 AM
In As a Song Among the Trees, American composer Joseph M. Martin makes several poetic allusions about the Holy Spirit: "As a song among the trees/a rare and noble theme/the Spirit sings with gentle voice/and wakes in us a dream" youtu.be/uJbzWN35eQM
Keith Getty collaborated with Phil Madeira in composing O Breath of God, which celebrates in its stanzas the Word, Love, and Breath of God, and closes with a prayer to the Triune God. youtu.be/34QChzC7p6g
O Breath of God (Getty/Madeira, arr. Larry Shackley)
O Breath of God, by Keith Getty and Phil Madeira, arranged by Larry Shackley; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contributions from: Rebecca King Sommer, soprano; Julmina Elizabeth Marcelo, alto; Marius Evangelista, tenor; Norm Evangelista, bass, piano, and GarageBand. Video background by Olena from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/users/olenchic-16658974/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=video&utm_content=200715
youtu.be
May 10, 2024 at 5:01 PM
Keith Getty collaborated with Phil Madeira in composing O Breath of God, which celebrates in its stanzas the Word, Love, and Breath of God, and closes with a prayer to the Triune God. youtu.be/34QChzC7p6g
American composer Molly Ijames wrote this exuberant arrangement of All Creatures of Our God and King for two pianos, which, through the magic of multi-tracking, out virtual choir was able to record with one pianist. youtu.be/uWG1p8Mfu0w
All Creatures of Our God and King (arr. Molly Ijames)
All Creatures of Our God and King, lyrics by St. Francis of Assisi, arranged by Molly Ijames; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contributions from: Rebecca King Sommer, soprano; Julmina Elizabeth Marcelo, alto; Marius Evangelista, tenor; Norm Evangelista, bass, piano, and GarageBand. For more information about the arranger, please visit: https://www.mollychurchmusic.com/about Video background by Trygve Larsen from Pixabay https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=video&utm_content=113547
youtu.be
April 26, 2024 at 7:37 PM
American composer Molly Ijames wrote this exuberant arrangement of All Creatures of Our God and King for two pianos, which, through the magic of multi-tracking, out virtual choir was able to record with one pianist. youtu.be/uWG1p8Mfu0w
American composer Z. Randall Stroope wrote and dedicated this anthem for his parents; three months later, both had passed away, two days apart, from separate maladies. Stroope writes, “I did not know that the timing of this work—AND the message–would be a parting gift to them.” youtu.be/nSrnXrdlXXM
Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord (Z. Randall Stroope)
Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord, by Z. Randall Stroope; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contributions from: Rebecca King Sommer, soprano; Julmina Elizabeth Marcelo, alto; Marius Evangelista, tenor; Norm Evangelista, bass and GarageBand. Video background by Christian Bodhi from Pixabay https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=video&utm_content=84530
youtu.be
April 12, 2024 at 6:08 PM
American composer Z. Randall Stroope wrote and dedicated this anthem for his parents; three months later, both had passed away, two days apart, from separate maladies. Stroope writes, “I did not know that the timing of this work—AND the message–would be a parting gift to them.” youtu.be/nSrnXrdlXXM
Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, one of the great Christian song-writing duos of the 2000's, penned See, What a Morning, which was given this stirring arrangement by Bruce Greer. youtu.be/wfm-YaVJ06c
See, What a Morning (Keith Getty/Stuart Townend, arr. Bruce Greer)
See, What a Morning, by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, arranged by Bruce Greer; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contribution...
youtu.be
March 29, 2024 at 5:53 PM
Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, one of the great Christian song-writing duos of the 2000's, penned See, What a Morning, which was given this stirring arrangement by Bruce Greer. youtu.be/wfm-YaVJ06c
The words of Isaac Watts (1674-1748), the father of English hymn-writing, were set by Lowell Mason (1792-1872), the father of American church music, to his tune "Hamburg;" we sing an arrangement by Gilbert M. Martin (b1941). youtu.be/OzvuvQBOvVg
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Gilbert M. Martin)
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, by Gilbert M. Martin, lyrics by Isaac Watts, based on the tune by Lowell Mason; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir o...
youtu.be
March 23, 2024 at 10:36 PM
The words of Isaac Watts (1674-1748), the father of English hymn-writing, were set by Lowell Mason (1792-1872), the father of American church music, to his tune "Hamburg;" we sing an arrangement by Gilbert M. Martin (b1941). youtu.be/OzvuvQBOvVg
Michael Bailey arranged I Know That My Redeemer Lives, by Lewis D. Edwards (1858–1921), with text by Samuel Medley (1738–1799), for a double choir, which allowed our virtual choir members to sing with several clones of themselves. youtu.be/Pi1yZz3LhZk
I Know That My Redeemer Lives (Samuel Medley/Lewis D. Edwards, arr. Michael Bailey)
I Know That My Redeemer Lives, by Samuel Medley and Lewis D. Edwards, arranged by Michael Bailey; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contributions from: Rebecca King Sommer, soprano; Julmina Elizabeth Marcelo, alto; Marius Evangelista, tenor; Norm Evangelista, bass, piano, and GarageBand. For more information about the arranger, please visit http://sacredsheetmusic.org/song/I_Know_That_My_Redeemer_Lives_SSAATTBB_by_Michael_Bailey Video background by JESUS-CHRIST-IS-LORD from Pixabay https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=video&utm_content=27335
youtu.be
March 15, 2024 at 6:28 PM
Michael Bailey arranged I Know That My Redeemer Lives, by Lewis D. Edwards (1858–1921), with text by Samuel Medley (1738–1799), for a double choir, which allowed our virtual choir members to sing with several clones of themselves. youtu.be/Pi1yZz3LhZk
Roy Ringwald (1910-1995) wrote this arrangement of Deep River, one of the most beloved and familiar spirituals: youtu.be/PqiKPAzJy1w
Deep River (arr. Roy Ringwald)
Deep River, arranged by Roy Ringwald; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contributions from: Rebecca King Sommer, soprano; Julmi...
youtu.be
March 2, 2024 at 1:37 AM
Roy Ringwald (1910-1995) wrote this arrangement of Deep River, one of the most beloved and familiar spirituals: youtu.be/PqiKPAzJy1w
In the spirit of ecumenism, we recorded Michael Bailey's arrangement of the Leroy J. Robertson hymn On This Day of Joy and Gladness, which is quite popular in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is our fourth such collaboration with Mr. Bailey. youtu.be/LwhGxDKRjOs
On This Day of Joy and Gladness (Leroy J. Robertson, arr. Michael Bailey)
On This Day of Joy and Gladness, by Leroy J. Robertson, arranged by Michael Bailey; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contribut...
youtu.be
February 23, 2024 at 5:44 PM
In the spirit of ecumenism, we recorded Michael Bailey's arrangement of the Leroy J. Robertson hymn On This Day of Joy and Gladness, which is quite popular in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is our fourth such collaboration with Mr. Bailey. youtu.be/LwhGxDKRjOs
John Schimminger, the Hymnist/Composer-in-Residence at St. John's-Grace Episcopal Church in Buffalo, NY, composed this setting of English poet Christina Rosetti's "Long Barren;" Rosetti was considered one of the finest poets of the Victorian age. youtu.be/D0LBzVxG05g
Long Barren (John Schimminger)
Long Barren, by John Schimminger, lyrics by Christina Rossetti; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contributions from: Rebecca K...
youtu.be
February 18, 2024 at 1:25 AM
John Schimminger, the Hymnist/Composer-in-Residence at St. John's-Grace Episcopal Church in Buffalo, NY, composed this setting of English poet Christina Rosetti's "Long Barren;" Rosetti was considered one of the finest poets of the Victorian age. youtu.be/D0LBzVxG05g
Paul Christiansen (1914-1997), who conducted the famed Concordia Choir, wrote this arrangement of the Southern folk hymn, My Song in the Night: youtu.be/QkUlksKzOlc
My Song in the Night (arr. Paul Christiansen)
My Song in the Night, arranged by Paul Christiansen; sung by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC Downey. Remote contributions from: Rebecca King Sommer,...
youtu.be
February 18, 2024 at 1:17 AM
Paul Christiansen (1914-1997), who conducted the famed Concordia Choir, wrote this arrangement of the Southern folk hymn, My Song in the Night: youtu.be/QkUlksKzOlc