Canticum Novum is a vibrant and celebratory work composed by Melissa Dunphy, and commissioned by Chorus Austin in honor of our 60th anniversary. The piece blends Latin and English texts, by Philip Barnes and Chorus Austin’s own Ryan Heller, drawing inspiration from Carmina Burana. This combination of languages creates a dynamic interplay between contrasts: a sacred and secular ethos, the past and the present, and the universal and the personal.

At its heart, Canticum Novum is an exuberant celebration of the power of music and the unifying force of voices raised together. The text reflects themes of nature, love, and human connection, inviting listeners into a joyous exploration of both the natural world and the emotions that bind us together. The music mirrors this celebratory spirit with its energetic rhythms, thrilling harmonies, and infectious vitality.

The score is marked by rhythmic complexity and harmonic richness, propelling the musicians through shifting textures and exciting musical landscapes. From the opening fanfare to moments of serene beauty and powerful, sweeping gestures, the music reflects the text’s celebration of the world in which we live, of life, and of love. The work challenges the performers to explore the limits of vocal expression while inviting the audience to revel in the sheer joy of sound.

Canticum Novum is a powerful statement not only of artistic collaboration but of the deep connection between music, nature, and human emotion. It is a fitting tribute to the history of Chorus Austin, our partnership with the Austin Symphony, and the timeless beauty of music itself.