This section provides access to performances and scores for choral and instrumental works commissioned by Aardt’s founder for various occasions, whether to celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation, recognize the 400th anniversary of Thomas Tallis’ Spem in alium, provide a forum for American women composers, or, commemorate his two children’s birthdays.  These works were for the most part commissioned for the award-winning ensemble ORA Singers, a professional vocal group based in England and directed by Suzi Digby, OBE.  They represent the finest in contemporary composition and performance, with ORA Singers bringing sacred music to the fore via 10 albums and 90 newly-commissioned works to date.  Each such work is a stellar example of music inspirationally expressed, just as the artworks on our companion website, www.aardtfoundation.org present a wide range of visual expression in myriad media, together evidencing the richness of human creativity in words, music and light.

Musical Works

Peter Boyer

Today we ask (2023)

Commissioned by Michael Straus in celebration of the Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III for Suzie Digby and the ORA Singers

View Musical Score

Joseph Phibbs

And there was light (2022)

Commissioned by Michael Straus for Suzie Digby and the ORA Singers

Sir James MacMillan

Vidi Aquam (2020) 

Portions Commissioned by Michael Straus in honor of Philippa Straus, Philippa Straus II and Jacob Marcus Straus for Suzie Digby and ORA Singers

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Julia Adolphe

Pater Noster (2018)

Commissioned by Michael Straus for Suzie Digby and the ORA Singers

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Paola Prestini

Fratres, after Palestrina (2018)

Commissioned by Michael Straus for Suzie Digby and the ORA Singers

View Musical Score

Julian Anderson

Magnificat (2018) 

Commissioned by Michael Straus in honor of Philippa Straus for Suzie Digby and the ORA Singers

View Musical Score

Sven-David Sandstrom

O salutaris hostia (2018) 

Commissioned by Michael Straus in honor of Philippa Straus II for Suzie Digby and the ORA Singers

View Musical Score

Sven-David Sandstrom

Tamtum Ergo (2018) 

Commissioned by Michael Straus in honor of Marc Straus for Suzie Digby and the ORA Singers

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Patrick Allen

Philippa’s Chime (2000)

Commissioned by Michael Straus in celebration of Philippa Straus II’s 5th birthday

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Bruce G. McInnes

Marc’s Chime (1998)

Commissioned by Michael Straus in celebration of Jacob Marcus Straus’ birth

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