Somewhere Only We Know (arr. Jo Annemans): SMAA Choral Octavo

Jo Annemans captures the yearning quality of this contemporary pop ballad while keeping the harmonic language accessible for mixed choirs. The arrangement respects the melody that made the original iconic while creating genuine four-part writing that gives every voice line purpose and presence.

Intimate and wistful, with the vulnerability of a private moment shared with thousands. The a cappella texture brings vulnerability to what was originally a lush production, making the emotional core of the song feel more exposed and immediate.

Mixed choirs looking for contemporary repertoire that bridges the gap between pop and choral traditions. This arrangement works equally well for community ensembles seeking audience-friendly material and for school choirs wanting to expand beyond traditional classical repertoire.

• Balance the soprano line prominently in the opening; this melody carries the emotional weight of the entire piece and needs to cut through.
• Pay close attention to vowel unity across the divisi passages, especially where the altos and sopranos split, so the effect feels intentional rather than strained.
• Shape the phrase endings with a gentle release instead of cutting off abruptly; pop arrangements benefit from this breathed quality even in an a cappella setting.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to build a set that demonstrates how modern songwriting translates to choral voices. It also works beautifully as a concert closer or as part of a lighter set that acknowledges your singers' own musical tastes.

• Balancing divisi voicing to maintain blend while clarifying harmonic movement
• Sustaining legit tone within a pop music context
• Shaping phrase contours that serve emotional storytelling rather than technical display
• Navigating the specific rhythmic conventions of contemporary pop (subtle rubato and breath placement)