At New Year’s 2023, Mark was appointed Member of the Order of Canada by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor-General of Canada, for his steadfast commitment to the field of choral music as a renowned composer, conductor, and community leader. The investiture ceremony will take place at Rideau Hall, Ottawa at a later date.Mark is Founding Artistic Director of the Cantabile Choirs, Kingston and continues to freelance as a guest conductor, composer and clinician. Mark has been busy composing, arranging and curating his new series, Profondo: Quality Repertoire for Low Voices with Cypress Choral Music.

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In celebration of Cantabile’s 25th anniversary, and in recognition of Mark’s years of dedication, ‘What Sweeter Music’, an album of some of his a cappella works, was produced as a farewell gift by Cantabile Pro Coro directed by Geoffrey Sirett. The album may be ordered from the Cantabile Choirs or available for digital download from Bandcamp

new releases

satb

The Breath Between
David Francey arr. M. Sirett
SATB & piano CP 2395
SSAA & piano CP 2396
TTBB & piano CP 2397
David Francey’s exquisite folk song, The Breath Between, won the 2024 Juno Award for Best Traditional Roots Album. An accessible and expressive arrangement of this heartbreaking song of friendship and memories. See score & listen

Danse, Mon Moine
SAB & piano, fiddle, spoons, Cypress Choral Music CP 2231
Also known as ‘Ah, si mon moine voulait danser’, this is an exhilarating folk song from the early days of New France. A wonderful concert opener or finale, it is especially designed for middle, junior and high school, or choirs with fewer low voices. The language is easy to learn. See score & listen YouTube

Erkennen wirst ihn
SATB a cappella Augsburg Fortress 9798889831242
The German version of the popular Advent/Christmas anthem, Thou Shalt Know Him is now available. See the score YouTube

The Fields of Athenry
SATB & piano, optional instruments, Hal Leonard HL 01454754
SSA & piano, optional instruments, Hal Leonard HL 01454755
TTBB & piano, optional instruments, Hal Leonard HL 01454756
This iconic folk song by legendary Pete St. John has become the unofficial national anthem of Ireland. It tells the story of a young man during the mid-1800’s Irish Famine. Both heartache and the resilience of the human spirit are captured in this emotive arrangement. Order Listen

For the Fallen
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2379
Two-part & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2380
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2381
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2382
A single verse from the famous poem ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon has become synonymous with acts of remembrance throughout the world It has become known as the ‘Ode of Remembrance’ and often recited at Remembrance Day, Veterans’ Day, ANZAC and Memorial Day commemorations . This setting, in both English and French, is appropriate for Remembrance Day in Canada. For English only, appropriate for other counties of the Commonwealth and the USA, the first verse should be repeated to letter B, with m. 39 to the end as a Coda.
See score & listen

The Gift to Sing
SATB & piano, Alliance Music AMP 1166
SSA & piano, Alliance Music AMP 1152
Written for the 35th anniversary of Canada’s celebrated Amabile Young Singers of London ON, this work is a setting of the fabulous poetry of African-American James Weldon Johnson. See the score & listen
Sometimes the mist overhangs my path,
And blackening clouds about me cling;
But, oh, I have a magic way
To turn the gloom to cheerful day—
I softly sing.
See SSA score & listen See SATB score & listen YouTube

In the Early Morning Rain
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin, Cypress Choral Music CP 2101
SSA & piano, optional guitar, bass, violin, Cypress Choral Music CP2243
TBB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin Cypress Choral Music CP 2102
This classic song by Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot, expresses the homesickness he often felt as a traveling folk artist. It has been covered by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy and many others. See See score & listen

Lo Conocerás Cuando Vieniere
SATB a cappella Augsburg Fortress 99798889831259
The Spanish version of the popular Advent/Christmas anthem, Thou Shalt Know Him is now available. See the score YouTube

Look at the Stars
SATB & piano, optional instruments, Pearl Shangkuan Series, Hinshaw Music HMC2711
A setting of an evocative text from the Philippines marvels at the beauty of the universe: the stars, the deep blue ocean, and the green forest. It highlights the profound connection humans share with all living creatures and the joyful conclusion reminds us of the gift of freedom—a blessing that emanates from within each one of us, and made more powerful in unity with our brothers and sisters. See score & listen

May You Heal
SATB, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL 00396766
SSA, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL 01302037
TTBB, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL HL 01302038
This is the centerpiece of the May You Heal Project, a series of five short choral works that have been written and recorded during the pandemic. The project offers music of comfort, peace, renewal and self-awareness. In this piece, Mark captures the essence of the text in a poignant, contemplative choral setting. See score & listen ChoralTracks

Seek Justice
SATB & piano, Hal Leonard HL 01135654
Also available in SSA HL 01135655 and TTBB HL 01135656
Throughout history, prophets, visionaries, poets, and peacemakers have cried out for justice in our world. Justice must be actively pursued, and this music flows and moves as a metaphor of pursuit. See the score and listen

Song Forever New
SAB & keyboard, Cypress Music CP 2352
Written especially with smaller church choirs in mind, this easy sacred anthem for SAB voices is a joyous song of praise and thanksgiving. The accompaniment is appropriate for either piano or organ. See score & listen

Torn Screen Door
SAB a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2085
SSA a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2083
TBB a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2084
David Francey, a Scottish-born Canadian, has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star). Born in Ayrshire, Scotland he moved to Canada when he was twelve, working as a carpenter, in rail yards and the Yukon bush, all the while writing poetry and setting his words to melody. In his 40s he turned to the stage to sing his songs in public. His first album Torn Screen Door came out in 1999 and was an instant hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eleven albums, and has won three Juno Awards. See & listen

Vous Le Saurez Quand Il Vient
SATB a cappella, , SATB Augsburg Fortress 9798889831235
The French version of the popular Advent/Christmas anthem Thou Shalt Know Him is now available. See the score YouTube

The World Is Filled With Awe SATB & organ, Anthem for Thanksgiving, Augsburg/Fortress 9798889832560
This jubilant setting of Psalm 65 is sure to enliven Thanksgiving worship. Mark Sirett’s dynamic writing highlights the depth of the psalm text with shifts in tempo and mood. See the score & listen

ssa

For the Fallen
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2381
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2379
Two-part & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2380
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2382
A single verse from the famous poem ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon has become synonymous with acts of remembrance throughout the world It has become known as the ‘Ode of Remembrance’ and often recited at Remembrance Day, Veterans’ Day, ANZAC and Memorial Day commemorations . This setting, in both English and French, is appropriate for Remembrance Day in Canada. For English only, appropriate for other counties of the Commonwealth and the USA, the first verse should be repeated to letter B, with m. 39 to the end as a Coda.
See score & listen

The Gift to Sing
SSA & piano, Alliance Music AMP 1152
Written for the 35th anniversary of Canada’s celebrated Amabile Young Singers of London ON, this work is on the fabulous poetry of African-American James Weldon Johnson. See the score & listen
Sometimes the mist overhangs my path,
And blackening clouds about me cling;
But, oh, I have a magic way
To turn the gloom to cheerful day—
I softly sing.
See score & listen YouTube

Huron Carol
SSAA a cappella, Carus Verlag 7.518/10
TTBB a cappella, Carus Verlag 7.518/10
Mark has arranged the popular Huron Carol from his native Canada for the Carus choral collection Christmas Carols of the World. As well as the version for mixed choir (SATB) the work is now also available in separate editions for equal-voice choirs (SSAA and TTBB) See score Listen to the SATB version

In the Early Morning Rain
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett, SSA & piano, optional guitar, bass, violin, Cypress Choral Music CP2243
SATB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin, Cypress Choral Music CP 2101
TBB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin Cypress Choral Music CP 2102
This classic song by Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot, expresses the homesickness he often felt as a traveling folk artist. It has been covered by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy and many others. See See score & listen

Joy
SSA & piano, Alliance Music AMP 1176
This sparkling setting of the poetry by Sara Teasdale expresses the joy of young love. Commissioned by the Calgary Girls’ Choir ‘Brava’ directed by Elaine Quilichini See score See score & listen

May You Heal
SSA, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL 01302037
SATB, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL 00396766
TTBB, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL HL 01302038
This is the centerpiece of the May You Heal Project, a series of five short choral works that have been written and recorded during the pandemic. The project offers music of comfort, peace, renewal and self-awareness. In this piece, Mark captures the essence of the text in a poignant, contemplative choral setting. See score & listen ChoralTracks

Seek Justice
SSA & piano, Hal Leonard HL 01135655
Also available in SATB HL 01135654 and TTBB HL 01135656
Throughout history, prophets, visionaries, poets, and peacemakers have cried out for justice in our world. Justice must be actively pursued, and this music flows and moves as a metaphor of pursuit. See the score and listen

Torn Screen Door
SSA a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2083
TBB a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2084
SAB a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2085
David Francey, a Scottish-born Canadian, has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star). Born in Ayrshire, Scotland he moved to Canada when he was twelve, working as a carpenter, in rail yards and the Yukon bush, all the while writing poetry and setting his words to melody. In his 40s he turned to the stage to sing his songs in public. His first album Torn Screen Door came out in 1999 and was an instant hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eleven albums, and has won three Juno Awards. See & listen

ttbb

For the Fallen
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2382
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2381
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2379
Two-part & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2380
A single verse from the famous poem ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon has become synonymous with acts of remembrance throughout the world It has become known as the ‘Ode of Remembrance’ and often recited at Remembrance Day, Veterans’ Day, ANZAC and Memorial Day commemorations . This setting, in both English and French, is appropriate for Remembrance Day in Canada. For English only, appropriate for other counties of the Commonwealth and the USA, the first verse should be repeated to letter B, with m. 39 to the end as a Coda.
See score & listen

In the Early Morning Rain
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett, TBB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin Cypress Choral Music CP 2102
SATB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin, Cypress Choral Music CP 2101
This classic song by Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot, expresses the homesickness he often felt as a traveling folk artist. It has been covered by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy and many others. See score & listen

Huron Carol
TTBB a cappella, Carus Verlag 7.518/20
Mark has arranged the popular Huron Carol from his native Canada for the Carus choral collection Christmas Carols of the World. As well as the version for mixed choir (SATB) the work is now also available in separate editions for equal-voice choirs (SSAA and TTBB). See score Listen to the SATB version

May You Heal
TTBB, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL HL 01302038
SSA, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL 01302037
SATB, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL 00396766
This is the centerpiece of the May You Heal Project, a series of five short choral works that have been written and recorded during the pandemic. The project offers music of comfort, peace, renewal and self-awareness. In this piece, Mark captures the essence of the text in a poignant, contemplative choral setting. See score & listen ChoralTracks

Responsibility
TTBB & piano, Hal Leonard 01169204
Jewish leader and scholar, Hillel the Elder, captures the tension between the need for healthy self-care and the importance of caring for others. Canadian composer Mark Sirett combines the ancient Hebrew text with modern English to create an elegant and folk-like setting. See score & listen

Seek Justice
TTBB & piano, Hal Leonard HL 01135656
Also available in SATB HL 01135654 and SSAA HL 01135655
Throughout history, prophets, visionaries, poets, and peacemakers have cried out for justice in our world. Justice must be actively pursued, and this music flows and moves as a metaphor of pursuit. See the score and listen

Thou Shalt Know Him
TTBB a cappella, Augsburg Fortress 9798889831228
The tenor/bass version of the popular Advent/Christmas anthem Thou Shalt Know Him is now available for download See score YouTube

Torn Screen Door
TBB a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2084
SSA a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2083
SAB a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2085
David Francey, a Scottish-born Canadian, has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star). Born in Ayrshire, Scotland he moved to Canada when he was twelve, working as a carpenter, in rail yards and the Yukon bush, all the while writing poetry and setting his words to melody. In his 40s he turned to the stage to sing his songs in public. His first album Torn Screen Door came out in 1999 and was an instant hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eleven albums, and has won three Juno Awards. See & listen

When Music Sounds SATB piano & clarinet, Galaxy ECS Publishing 1.3723
Walter de la Mare’s magnificent poem, When Music Sounds, has been set to music for SATB Choir, piano & clarinet. It was composed for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the School of Music, Queen’s University. See & listen

coming soon

A Star is Dancing SAB & keyboard, Augsburg Fortress
Corramos, Corramos Venezuelan Carol, SATB, SSA or TTBB piano & percussion, Rick Bjella Series, Hal Leonard
Cradle Song SSA, piano, flute & oboe Indianapolis Children’s Choir Series
How the Water Sings SA and piano, Alliance Music AMP 1192
Invoke the Muses SATB, piano & optional instruments, Hinshaw Music
In the Rocking SSA & piano, Christmas carol, Hinshaw Music
I Once Loved A Lass Traditional arr. Sirett, SATB, SSA or TTBB & piano, Judith Clurman Series, Hal Leonard
The Old House TTBB & piano, Hinshaw Music
Prayer of St. Francis SA & piano, SAB & piano, SATB & piano, Indianapolis Children’s Choir Series
Silence, Frost & Snow (A Winter Triptych) SSA or SATB, piano & optional instruments, Judith Clurman Series, Hal Leonard
Syrinx SSA, piano, Elaine Quilichini Series, Alliance Music AMP 1196
The Wild Geese SATB, piano, flute & cello, Alliance Music AMP 1194