The Music of Tarik O'Regan

A few weeks ago, The Crossing, a choir here in Philadelphia which is dedicated to the performance of contemporary choral art music, sang Care Charminge Sleepe, written in 2003 by the British composer Tarik O'Regan. It was the first time I had heard the music of this young and rising star.

To my ear, O'Regan's music is both original and compelling, and his liturgical compositions are worthy of the serious consideration of every competent Kapellmeister. I daresay the only reason not to sing a piece by O'Regan is for want of musical resources. His website offers several score samples. Sound samples can be found at the website of Chester Novello, his publisher. Pay particular attention to his Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, works which make quite creative use of the traditional chant melodies associated with these texts.

The future of art music, if there be one, lies with composers such as Tarik O'Regan. We must give them our full support.