Through luminous choral harmonies, images of a winter night, and echoes of scripture, Advent Moon evokes deep human longing as well as the promise of the coming of light. The delicate organ accompaniment and optional handbells underscore both the haunting opening and the radiant conclusion of this piece.

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

Commissioned and first performed by the choir of Liverpool Cathedral, this anthem is ideal for use during the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. The choral lines move between sonorous homophonic writing and vibrant imitative passages, and are underpinned by a repeated quaver motif in the organ. Combining a sense of joy with moments of reflection, this anthem will particularly appeal to choirs looking to expand their choral repertoire.

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

Ave Maria was joint winner of the Concours Europ'een pour Choeurs et Ma^itres de Cath'edrales 1999. Its double choir forces belie its sensitive scoring and taut motivic construction, which is well within the grasp of many choirs.

Composer: Tarik O'Regan

This tender carol sets an affecting text by Christina Rossetti that tells the story of Jesus's birth. In classic McDowall style, the setting explores a variety of choral textures and is interspersed with unexpected harmonies, creating a range of musical colours. The organ part provides a gentle, supportive accompaniment.

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

With a newly written text by Angier Brock, this compelling anthem by Cecilia McDowall is a welcome addition to the traditional Easter repertoire. Easter Light explores a variety of styles and colours, from organ solos suggestive of the song of the Eastern meadowlark to a meditative section in the manner of plainchant.

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

for SATB and organ, with optional congregation
Commissioned for the American Guild of Organists 2014 National Convention in Boston, Mass., Eternal Ruler of the ceaseless round is a joyful and exuberant setting of the well-known hymn by John Chadwick. It begins with a rich organ introduction before the choir (and congregation) join in with a unison presentation of the melody. The second section explores the Lydian mode, with its rising fourth, while the adamantine final verse brings the anthem to a resolute close that reflects the text's profound depiction of unity and human understanding.

Composer: Libby Larsen

For this joyous piece, McDowall set a text from the Ambrosian Rite celebrating the Virgin Mary's recent motherhood. The lively organ accompaniment and strong rhythmic drive create an instantly celebratory mood, making the piece an ideal conclusion for any Christmas service.

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

Written in 2000, this piece was joint winner of the New College Oxford Millennium Competition. It is a complex and technically brilliant composition and has been deservedly broadcast several times on BBC Radio 3.

Composer: Tarik O'Regan

I Saw Him Standing sets a text by Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, who was inspired by the poetry of Ann Griffiths. The poem is full of rich imagery, prompting a correspondingly imaginative musical treatment from O'Regan. Challenging but approachable piece.

Composer: Tarik O'Regan

'Locus iste' has become a popular text for church dedication services. This simple and beautiful linear setting by O'Regan provides a stylish alternative to other, over-familiar settings.

Composer: Tarik O'Regan

Setting a fifteenth-century English text containing some short Latin passages, this is a joyful, dance-like carol with a medieval feel. The spirited, lilting melody begins in the sopranos and altos but is passed round the choir, while the other voices add stirring harmonies and bell-like drones to the texture. Now may we singen was originally published in the New Horizons collection The Ivy and the Holly.

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

This hymn to the 'Queen of the Heavens' is a glorious work, replete with dramatic changes of mood and texture. The majestic chords of the opening bars quickly give way to a spirited section in which unison altos and basses mimic the insistent flourishes of the sopranos and tenors. This pattern of contrasts is repeated throughout the piece before the final jubilant chords fade away to a modest triple piano. This is an approachable and rewarding motet, appropriate for the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary in addition to Eastertide.
Regina caeli has been recorded by the renowned American choir, the Phoenix Chorale, and released on a Grammy award-winning CD by Chandos (Spotless Rose CHSA 5066)

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

Setting a text spoken by Nurse Edith Cavell on the eve of her execution in 1915 and re-fashioned by the poet Seán Street, McDowall has created a work of haunting beauty full of gently lamenting harmonies.The sombre subject matter makes the piece equally suitable for funerals and Remembrance Day celebrations. Standing as I do before God is featured on the CD A Multitude of Voices by the choir Sospiri on Convivium Records.

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

This joyous, upbeat anthem sets a compelling poem by contemporary poet Se'an Street in response to a text by sixteenth-century Bishop of Norwich John Parkhurst on the subject of 'alma mater'. The text encourages us to appreciate the past, our education, and where it can lead, reflecting on the profound ties we can form to a time or a place. The bright, driving organ part, with solo interjections, is juxtaposed with sustained vocal writing with rich, lush harmonies.

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

Written for the Choir of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, The Presence sets lines from Psalms 18, 27, 36, 112, and 119. It was inspired by A. E. Borthwick's painting of the same title, which hangs in St Mary's, and the texts chosen are mainly concerned with light. The performance directions used - 'luminous', 'resonant', 'dark', 'ethereal' - express the setting's intense atmosphere and almost visual sense of space and lustre. While suitable for services and concerts throughout the year, The Presence is especially appropriate for performance during Advent.

Composer: Cecilia McDowall

Unless the Lord builds the house), this compelling anthem possesses a luminescent quality supported by radiant harmonic textures. It is framed by Latin text taken from the Saxon stone cross at St Paul's, Jarrow, associated with St Bede, and set in quasi-plainchant fashion. Psalm 127 is one of the Psalms of Ascent, often occurring throughout the liturgical calendar. With an elegant simplicity Vita Mundo is uplifting and rewarding to sing.<

Composer: Cecilia McDowall