Exigence Choral Series
Featured Piece
The Caged Bird Sings for Freedom
Commissioned by the professional choir Exigence and using the famous Maya Angelou text “The Caged Bird,” here is a concert setting for the very best choirs. The powerful message is perfect for modern times.
Other Selections
Lead with Love
Written in answer to a call for connection in troubled times, this is about persistence, community, and moving ahead. The composer reflects on multiple “love warriors” like Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and others and reminds us that all of them started their movements out of the love of their people, not out of the hatred of someone else.
Son de la Vida
The Sphinx Organization is a national organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. EXIGENCE is the professional vocal ensemble that highlights the artistry within Black and Latinx communities. Here is the first piece in the first year of publications. Originally written for Voz en Punto, this upbeat piece includes vocal percussion and captures the spirit and core values of the organization.
Say Her Name
Written as a vehicle to bring the powerful Kwanzaa ceremony to the concert stage with a call to action. The #SayHerName movement resists police brutality against Black women. If you say the name, you're prompted to learn the story, and if you know the story, then you have a broader sense of all the ways Black bodies are made vulnerable to police violence.
A Vision Unfolding
EXIGENCE is a professional vocal ensemble that highlights the artistry within Black and Latinx communities. This choral series builds on this mission by commissioning and seeking Black and Latinx composers. This exciting composition in this first release fuses musical styles that are influenced by South African, Hindu, and Eastern European traditions. This is for the very best community and professional choirs.
The Talk
In the life of every black child, they will have “the talk” with a trusted adult: what to do if they are pulled over, or have an encounter with the police. This powerful new choral sheds light on the sad but true situation that people of color experience when dealing with law enforcement. This music and the instructions are succinct and straight to the point. “Pull over. Don't run. Keep Calm.” The setting of these words allows for a much needed discussion by students and audience alike.
Pirekua por la Paz
Written for Philip Brunelle and Vocal Essence. This beautiful and complex piece asks in longing harmonies “Where has love gone?” Because it is inhumane to live without love and peace! A timely message beautifully set.
We Shall Walk Through the Valley
Combining the traditional Latin text “Agnus Dei” with one of the most beautiful Negro spirituals, here is a concert setting fitting of any advanced choir. Each of the three verses evokes various stages of peace and rest.
Kwangena Thina Bo
Here is a traditional Xhosa folk song once again authentically arranged by the director of the Pretoria Youth Choir Lhente-Mari Pitout. Created to be sung in the original Xhosa language, an IPA pronunciation guide along with a poetic translation is provided making an authentic performance easy to realize.
Ndikhokhele Bawo
The Pretoria Youth Choir from South Africa under their director Lhente-Mari Pitout has traveled the world spreading the joy of traditional South African music. Now this music from South Africa finds a new home with the professional choir EXIGENCE featuring music of Black and Latinx composers under the direction of Eugene Rogers. A wonderful recording exposes the complexity and the joy in this exciting music.