About

Chanukah Lights was written in 2005 as a piece for SSA choir with optional piano, for the wonderful A Cappella Choir of the PEARLS Hawthorne Elementary School in Yonkers NY, conducted by Emme Kresek. (In addition to being an excellent choir, the school is a block from my home, and our daughter was a 5th grader there at the time.) A simple melody floats over harmonies set up by the other voices, as the choir sings of the warmth of being together for the Chanukah holiday. The refrain concentrates on the key word “light” and builds a gentle rocking figure in the chorus. 

Chicago A Cappella asked me to compose a new version for their professional chorus, giving me the opportunity to write an SSAATTB a cappella version of the piece. They gave the premiere in December 2022, and it was released on their album Miracle of Miracles — Music for Hanukkah in 2023.

Score

Text

The candles are gently glowing,
spreading peace, spreading light.
Our family gathers together,
sharing joy this Chanukah night.
Light, light,
bring joy each night!

-Gerald Cohen

Arrangements

SSA, with optional piano
SSAATTB, a cappella