Composers have set the text “Alleluia” for centuries to denote the exclamation of praise or joy in both sacred and secular settings. This new setting composed by Carlos Lalonde emphasizes feelings of energetic jubilation weaved into an accessible piece based on a two-bar motif that seamlessly is imitated between all of the chorus parts.

A beautifully lyrical section is wedged between the outer jubilant sections that reaches a purely blissful climax before returning to the beginning material. Singers are tasked with performing frequent changing meters, syncopated rhythms, and kaleidoscopic modulations between distant key centers.

All is worthwhile, however, as singers and audience members alike can reflect on the poignantly joyful and exuberant moments in their lives, suiting the opening to a concert program perfectly.

– From the composer