1072 W. 15th St. #3 San Pedro, CA 90731 Phone: (310) 548-7260 apetker@gmail.com
Larry Nickel
Dr. Larry Nickel is a busy composer, teacher, singer, conductor and publisher of choral music. While teaching music at the high school level he co-founded the West Coast Mennonite Chamber Choir with Tony Funk in 1990. The choir made 13 CDs and raised nearly one million dollars for the Communitas Supportive Care Society. Famous tenor, Ben Heppner, was among the luminaries that contributed to the projects and the choir recorded over 100 of Larry’s compositions.
Larry has also sung with the Vancouver Cantata Singers, Chor Leoni and (professionally) with the Vancouver Chamber Choir for six years. “I’m a choral music fanatic,” says Larry, “because it is the world’s most effective and powerful conveyor of positive messages. It brings people together, from all walks of life, to create something beautiful and worthwhile. Choral music breaks down barriers between people–it is peace in action.”
As owner and editor of Cypress Choral Music, Larry works with over 80 Canadian composers from across the country and travels widely giving seminars and workshops.
Recent premieres of his work occurred at the World Choral Games in Riga, at the United Nations in Geneva (also NYC) and last week in Salt Lake City. “Malala, Pakistani Girl” was recently performed in Hiroshima, Osaka and Kyoto. Requiem for Peace, his doctoral thesis in 13 languages, is having a good run (Örebro, Magdeburg-European Choral Games, Bayreuth, Baku-Azerbaijan, Toronto, Halifax, London-ON, Kansas City, Chicago, Providence-R.I.)
Larry and Edna live in Yaletown, close to their children and grandchildren.
Ave Maria Gratia Plena
Composer: Anonymous
Arranger: Larry Nickel
Author/Lyricist: Liturgical Latin
Voicing: SATB
Season: Advent, Christmas
Released: January 2012
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
This melody, erroneously attributed to Giulio Caccini from the 16th century, is romantic and lovely. Skilled Canadian composer Larry Nickel has adeptly set the ''Ave Maria'' text to this tune and the results are wonderful. Originally arranged for the Three Canadian Tenors and broadcast widely on YouTube, this setting for SATB will find plenty of uses from school choirs and church choirs.
Beauty All Around Us
Composer: Larry Nickel
Author/Lyricist: Navajo Poem
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2011
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Canadian composer, Larry Nickel, has merged the words from the well-loved hymn, ''For the Beauty of the Earth,'' with a Navajo prayer. His melodies move beautifully and seamlessly, but what makes the music rise above the ordinary is the flowing voice part writing. This is a lovely anthem of praise.
Cleanse The Thoughts Of Our Hearts
Composer: Larry Nickel
Author/Lyricist: Book of Common Prayer
Voicing: SATB
Season: Communion/Lent
Released: January 2009
Difficulty: Easy
Listen
This sacred anthem with a text from the Book of Common Prayer is a wonderful, worship-filled piece. Larry Nickel is an excellent musician and devoted Christian whose music displays these qualities. This musical prayer can be sung as an anthem of worship, preparation to prayer or benediction.
Come Unto Me
Composer: Larry Nickel
Author/Lyricist: Matthew 11:28-30
Voicing: SATB
Season: Communion/Lent
Released: January 2008
Difficulty: Easy
Listen
Inspired by J.S. Bach's ''Prelude in C,'' Larry Nickel has penned a stirring tribute using the text from Matthew 11:28-30, ''come to me if you're weak and heavy laden.'' Midway through a violin enters with a solo statement. Then the choir returns as the violin provides a beautiful obbligato. The closing a cappella utterance is the final touch that provides a stunning finish.
Dem Bones
Composer: African-American Spiritual
Arranger: Larry Nickel
Author/Lyricist: African-American Spiritual
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2006
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
This spiritual has never sounded like this before. The familiar and fun portions dance delightfully, and surrounding them are some meanginful choral statements, especially the ending ''Breathe on Me Breath of God.'' Excellent for church or school.
Good Christian People, Rejoice
Composer: Traditional German Carol
Arranger: Larry Nickel
Author/Lyricist: Traditional German Carol
Voicing: SATB
Season: Christmas
Released: January 2006
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Larry Nickel has done a brilliant job elevating this much loved German Carol. Clever uses of ostinato and rhythmic play make it a blast to learn and sing. Church and school choirs will enjoy this arrangement.
In The Days Of Thy Youth (Remember Thy Creator)
Composer: Gordon + Larry Nickel
Arranger: Larry Nickel
Author/Lyricist: Gordon Nickel
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2009
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Although the words come from Ecclesiastes, the message and music will fit any school program. Reminding youth to be wise through their maturing years, this choral breaks into a delightful ''na-na-na'' section that carries a madrigal quality. We're betting this piece will be performed more in school programs than in church worship services - the bet is on.
She Goes Shopping For Gucci
Composer: Larry Nickel
Author/Lyricist: Larry Nickel
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2011
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
With humor and grace this secular madrigal reminds us that happiness is already all around you, and not when you are not anxious or proud. The music dances with an intelligent bounce that serves the message well. High school choirs to a cappella ensembles of any age will find this a delightful selection to sing and hear.
Trust In The Lord
Composer: Larry Nickel
Author/Lyricist: Various Scriptures
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2010
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Commissioned by Concordia College of Alberta, Larry Nickel has composed a compelling anthem. The piano part establishes itself quickly as a separate and beautiful expression in the music. Reminiscent in style to Bach's ''Jesu Joy,'' the entry of the vocal part brings an entirely new idea to the piece. The final ''amens'' are truly satisfying. General use.
Working With Joy
Composer: Larry Nickel
Author/Lyricist: Larry Nickel
Voicing: SATB
Season: General
Released: January 2007
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Canadian composer, Larry Nickel, understands the choral instrument superbly, and it is evident in pieces like this one. The writing is easy to follow and brings out the best in the choir, yet there remain clever elements that add depth to the work. This joyful number lives up to its name and includes an almost folk song quality as well. Fun to learn, sing and hear.
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