Sons and Daughters of Harmony
A choral and orchestral masterwork
Celebrating the universal gift of music and musicians and the idea that we are all, without exception, “Sons and Daughters of Harmony.”
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“By hearing good music, well-performed, we are ready to say…
O ye enchanting, ecstatic, delightful
sons and daugthers of harmony”
Meet the Composer…
Mark Christopher Scheffler
Composer
Mark is a 1992 graduate of the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music where he earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in both choral education and theory & composition. He has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, Bel Canto Choir of Milwaukee, the White Heron Chorale, and NEW Voices.
In 1997 he performed at the Spoleto Festival in Spoleto Italy under the direction of Sir Richard Hickox, and in 1998 as a chorus member with Luciano Pavarotti at the United Center in Chicago.
In addition to his love of music, Mark has held senior leadership positions during his 28 year career in financial services, directing a sustainable wealth model for both a boutique firm and for a mid-sized regional bank. He is an avid sailor, Glowforge artist, and top-ranked AirBnb host.
“Were the soul to expand her wings,
and take her flight to the realms of bliss…”
A masterwork written for all Humanity
“Ten thousand times ten thousand saints and angels”
Sons and Daughters of Harmony sets two separate and historically diverse texts together in a format that is accessible and easily programmable for a variety of professional, festival and educational ensembles.
The first text is from the introduction to the Columbian Psalter, an early 19th century American songbook. This broad text, while somewhat sacred in nature, emphasizes the universal and divine gift of music and reinforces the idea that we are all, without exception, “Sons and Daughters of Harmony.”
The second text expresses gratitude for the twin gifts of the soul and of music. “Oh That I Had a Thousand Voices” (Johann Mentzer, 1704) is a late Baroque hymn of thanksgiving. The focus of this text lies in expressing gratitude for and being mindful of the countless gifts bestowed on all of us everyday. The first verse of the hymn is set for treble solo (or alternatively a group of small children), followed by a soprano/alto section duet, followed by three vocal sections together and a fourth verse set for SATB chorus.
This fourth verse is an invitation to the audience to join in a reprise of the first verse, sung in unison with the full choir. In many venues, truly an opportunity for a thousand voices to sing strongly together, and to tie in the idea that the audience members are also “sons and daughters of harmony!”
Involving the audience as a part of every performance creates the possibility for a truly memorable and important musical and human experience!
The Text…
The Orchestration…
Oren Sela
Orchestrator
With over two decades of experience, Oren Sela has established himself as a versatile and accomplished musician, enriching the worlds of film, theater, and live performance with his unique style, dedication, and expertise as a composer, orchestrator, and producer.
For the last decade, Oren has had the privilege of collaborating with industry giants such as Disney, Universal Studios, and Warner Brothers, where he has composed and orchestrated music for a diverse array of projects.
As a film composer, Oren has crafted scores that breathe life into narratives, transporting audiences into the heart of cinematic storytelling. His compositions, spanning classical, jazz, big band, electronic, and everything in between, reflect his fluency in both traditional and modern film music styles.
With a portfolio that includes scores for numerous feature and short films, theatrical productions and musicals, Oren continues to leave his mark on the music industry, his passion for storytelling through music serving as a guiding force in his career.
Orchestrated for…
“Oh, that I could take the wings of the morning, and soar aloft…”
Our Project, Supported by Contributions
Music is universal, and supporting live performances is so important. We want to make sure that orchestras and choruses have access to great music like “Sons and Daughters of Harmony” and our goal is to provide scores and parts to ensembles across the globe for free using a simple “tip jar” model.
It’s so easy! If you like our piece and just want to express your appreciation of if you want to help support the free distribution of written scores and parts to performers, just click the tip jar on the left and leave a voluntary contribution.
Suggested contribution:
Listener/Performer – $5
Supporter – $10
Patron – $25
Grantor – $50
Benefactor – $100
Contact…