Hope: Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Pamela Stewart / Arranged by Paul Langford
Item: 35-PK00291080
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Description
Premiered at the Shawnee Press 75th Anniversary Concert at Carnegie Hall, February 17th, 2014, this powerful and inspirational work sings of "hope" described through the phases of life, such as a newborn's cry, the laughter of children, the ashes of the fire of love that has died, the quiet comfort of a dream. Set to haunting and dynamic music with piano or optional orchestration, the gorgeous work comes to a moving conclusion of: "Hope is not lost; hope is not gone. It is not dead; it still lives on. Hope will arise!"
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00291080
More about this title
About the Artist: Pamela Stewart
Pamela Stewart has established herself as a composer of choral works that speak directly to the human experience, with a particular gift for setting texts that resonate across diverse audiences. Her work has been performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall, where Hope premiered as part of the Shawnee Press 75th Anniversary Concert in 2014, cementing her place among contemporary choral composers who understand how to craft moments of genuine emotional impact.
Why we love this
Stewart's arc through life's phases feels earned rather than sentimental, giving your singers real emotional terrain to explore rather than generic inspiration. The dynamic range and optional orchestration mean you can scale this to your ensemble's capabilities while maintaining its power, and the final affirmation lands with the kind of conviction that audiences remember long after the concert ends.
What to expect
The music moves through intimate moments of vulnerability before arriving at a powerful declaration of resilience. You'll find yourself caught between the tenderness of childhood and the weight of loss, only to emerge into something unshakeable and quiet profound.
Who it's for
This work suits choirs at intermediate to advanced levels who can handle both the lyrical passages and the dramatic shifts in character. It's equally at home in a sacred concert setting, a secular inspirational program, or as a concluding piece that sends audiences out with something meaningful to carry with them.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the choir's dynamics carefully during the reflective middle sections (the ashes of love imagery), where vulnerability matters more than volume.
- If performing with piano alone, lean into the harmonic richness to create the emotional space that orchestration would provide; conversely, if using orchestration, allow the strings to breathe without overwhelming the text.
- Shape the text of the final affirmation as though the choir is discovering hope rather than simply announcing it, building from quiet conviction to full voice.
How to use it
Close a concert with this if you want the final image to be one of hope earned through honest reflection rather than imposed optimism. It also works beautifully as a centerpiece in a program exploring human resilience, paired with contrasting lighter or darker works that give it context.
Skills your students will build
- Dynamic control across a wide emotional range
- Shaping lyrical phrases with textual intention
- Responding to orchestral or accompaniment shifts without losing ensemble unity
- Sustaining vocal tone through both delicate and powerful passages