Composers

The interview features Kelly Dobbs Micus, Catholic editor for MorningStar Music, and composer Luke Mayernik, focusing on his recently published work, "Missa de Octava" (Mass of the Eighth Day). Mayernik shares his journey into music, drawn by the sounds of the organ during church visits with his grandparents. He discusses his composition process, influenced by his experiences and inspirations, including winning the VOCES8 Composition Competition with a setting of William Blake's "Little Lamb Who Made Thee." Mayernik elaborates on the significance of "Missa de Octava," which he composed weeks during Holy Week, expressing his spiritual conflicts and aspirations through music. The conversation explores the versatility of Mayernik’s compositions across denominations and their impact on liturgical worship. Additionally, Mayernik discusses his "Five Graces Psalter" Psalm collection and the joy he finds in witnessing musicians' interpretations of his work.

Read the reviews by Thom DeLessio.

View our 2022 Winter Concerts

Gerald Near is considered one of the finest composers of church music writing today. He first studied theory and composition at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago with Leo Sowerby, and continued those studies with Leslie Bassett at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. While at the University of Michigan, he also studied organ with Robert Glasgow, published organ and choral music, and completed his Master's degree in orchestral conducting while studying under Gustav Meier.

We are pleased to announce next season’s Carnegie Hall performance of Kyle Pederson's A Vision Unfolding

As we continue to reflect upon the untimely passing of Charles Callahan, we thought it would be appropriate to share this interview in which Dr. Stephen Hamilton and Mark Lawson discuss some of his newer organ collections.

As we turn our attention to end-of-the-year programming, consider these accessible titles for your May programming. Both “We Wear the Mask” and “We Belong” are upbeat pieces that are a cappella with percussion. “Haze” is a lovely setting of a Henry David Thoreau poem with piano accompaniment. “The Parting Glass” is a beautiful piece that can also be used for graduation.

We are thrilled to announce an inspiring collaboration between the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) and MorningStar Music Publishers. This visionary partnership introduces the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Choral Series, a groundbreaking initiative that celebrates and promotes music by Black composers and arrangers.

Read the feature article by Guy Rickards from the Gramophone magazine.

ECS Publishing Group is proud to be the new home of the Ysaÿe M. Barnwell collection. Dr. Barnwell spent over thirty years with GRAMMY-winning ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and has composed and arranged dozens of works for choirs. She has been a leader in building community through singing in the African and African American oral traditions and is highly respected among musicians and music educators.