At New Year’s 2023, Mark was appointed ‘Member of the Order of Canada’ for his steadfast commitment to the field of choral music as a renowned composer, conductor, and community leader, by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor-General of Canada. The investiture ceremony took place at Rideau Hall, Ottawa on December 12, 2024.

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‘What Sweeter Music’, an album of some of his a cappella works, was produced as a farewell gift by the Cantabile Choirs of Kingston, the organization he founded in 1996.  The album may be ordered from the Cantabile Choirs or available for digital download from Bandcamp

Several premieres are scheduled in 2015.  One of Mark’s major choral works, Beltane–A Branch of May, will be performed at Carnegie Hall next season.

new releases

Auld lang syne
TTBB, piano & flute, now available directly from the composer.  This is a low voice version of the popular SATB & SSA versions often heard for winter & holiday concerts, or at times of graduation and farewell.

Balulalow
SATB a cappella.  This award-winning Christmas work, selected as a top carol by Musica International, is now available directly from the composer.  YouTube

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

Come Rain or Come Shine
David Francey arr. M. Sirett
SATB & piano, Cypress Music CP 2437
SSA & piano, Cypress Music CP 2439
TBB & piano, Cypress Music  CP 2438
Come Rain or Come Shine by David Francey comes from his Juno-award winning album, Skating Rink.  In this poignant song, two lovers reassure each other of their promise of enduring, unconditional love despite their lasting insecurities.  These choral arrangements are appropriate for high school and community choirs of all ages.  See score & listen

D’ou viens-tu, bergère?
Performed by Chanticleer for its 2018 Christmas tour and in  ‘An American Christmas’ ed. Jerry Rubino, Oxford University Press, this beloved Canadian carol is now available as a digital download Digital download  See score Listen to Chanticleer: 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

Go Lassie Go
TTBB & piano, now available directly from the composer.  This is the low voice version of ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ previously published for SSA or SATB choirs.  A lively Celtic folk song that is a perfect concert opener or conclusion.

How the Water Sings
SA & piano, Alliance Music AMP 1192
Treble voices will delight in the exuberant words of Walt Whitman from ‘Song at Sunset’.  A sparkling setting that is appropriate for any two-part choir.  See score & listen

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, 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 score & listen

In the Rocking
SSA & piano, Christmas carol, Hinshaw Music HMC2763
A contemporary carol for treble voices, ‘In the Rocking’, reflects the Christmas message of new hope and new life. Its meaningful poetry by Wendy Jean MacLean is set as a heartfelt lullaby, which portrays Mary as she ponders the miracle of birth.  Suitable for any treble choirs in a concert or church worship setting.
See & order   Digital download

Invoke the Muses
SATB, piano & optional instruments, Hinshaw Music HMC2764
This thrilling, celebratory work, ‘Invoke the Muses’, offers a powerful opener or closer for any high school, college or community choir concert or festival settings. Written for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the School of Music, University of Iowa, the work passionately calls to nature and the muses for inspiration and love. Part of the Pearl Shangkuan Choral Series.  See score & listen   Digital download

Joy
SSA & piano,  Elaine Quilichini Series, 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 & listen

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  Choral Tracks

The Old House
TTBB & piano, Hinshaw Music HMC2786
This work, which is well-known Celtic ballad, would be most appropriate for high school tenor/bass ensemble, college and community groups. It is lyrical and quite accessible with comfortable ranges for each of the voices and level of difficulty. It is a great work for developing beautiful legato tone and expressive singing. The piano part is also accessible and supportive of the singers.  See & order Digital download YouTube

Prayer of St. Francis
ICC Publishing House, Henry Leck Choral Series, Beckenhorst Press
SA & keyboard, ICC Publishing House ICC4029
SAB & keyboard, ICC Publishing House ICC5007
SATB & keyboard, ICC Publishing House ICC5008
‘Prayer of St. Francis’ is a lyrical and heartfelt setting of the beloved prayer.  Its expressive melodies and rich harmonies make it a beautiful choice for choirs seeking a reflective and uplifting piece.  See score & listen

The Skating Rink
David Francey arr. M. Sirett
SATB & piano – CP 2456
SSAA & piano – CP 2457
TTBB & piano – CP 2458
In The Skating Rink, David Francey paints the poignant scene of winter, one that is deeply familiar and undeniably Canadian.  David writes, ‘The songs on (the CD) Skating Rink are drawn from various stages of my life. Most were finally written down at the kitchen table where, if you look out the window, you can see the lights of the skating rink throwing at least a small part of the world into sharp relief.’  These accessible arrangements are suitable for youth and community choirs and a great selection for winter concerts.  See score & listen

The Stars Point the Way
Winner of Outstanding Choral Composition from Choral Canada, this Christmas works based on the poetry of Wendy MacLean is now available from the composer for SATB choir, piano and optional instruments directly from the composer.  Listen to the SATB on YouTube

Syrinx 
SSA & piano, Elaine Quilichini Series, Alliance Music AMP 1196
“Syrinx” by Mark Sirett on the words of Alberta poet Juleta Severson-Baker, was commissioned by Calgary Girls Choir, Adult Ensemble “Espressa” directed by Elaine Quilichini. The poetry describes a purple finch seekings its true voice, flight and freedom.  See score & listen  YouTube 

There is No Rose
SATB a cappella, is now available directly from the composer.  A beautiful carol that begins with a canonic duet between soprano soloists develops into a rich, lush harmonies, and thrilling climax.  YouTube

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

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 score & listen

When Music Sounds
SATB piano & clarinet, Galaxy ECS Publishing 1.3723
Walter de la Mare’s magnificent poem has been set to sweeping choral phrases supported by an animated piano accompaniment and soaring clarinet part. It was commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the School of Music, Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario.  See score & listen

The Wild Geese
SATB, piano, flute & cello, Alliance Music AMP 1194
‘The Wild Geese’ by Mark Sirett is a setting of Wendell Berry’s magnificent poem for chorus, piano, flute & piano. Quietness of heart and clarity of vision are the gifts that reveal the richer deeper meaning of life. Berry assures one that ‘what we need is here.’  The soaring melodies and harmonies, supported by a colourful instrumentation, are ideal for high school, community and college choirs. See score & listen YouTube

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
I Once Loved A Lass Traditional arr. Sirett, SATB, SSA or TTBB & piano, Judith Clurman Series, Hal Leonard
Silence, Frost & Snow (A Winter Triptych) SSA or SATB, piano & optional instruments, Judith Clurman Series, Hal Leonard