DAVID SQUIRES

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Long-time professor, mentor, worship curator, and composer, Dr. David Squires is Professor of Music in the School of the Arts, Media + Culture at Trinity Western University in Langley BC, Canada. David holds performance and composition degrees from University of Western Ontario and University of Toronto, and a Ph.D. (Composition) from SUNY at Buffalo. David is also a student of Celtic spirituality, and has twice spent time on the island of Iona in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, whose Celtic Christian roots go back to the sixth century. He writes chamber, choral, and orchestral music for amateurs, students and professional musicians, and has contributed much music for use in church worship settings. His music has been performed across Canada and the US; Dr. Joel Tranquilla and the TWU Choirs have toured with his music to Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan, and will premiere his recently commissioned sacred oratorio Gardens in spring 2022. An Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre, David can be contacted at david.squires@twu.ca

Set Me As a Seal Upon Your Heart

by David Squires

SATB with piano – CP 2143 – duration 3:10
This famous poem, written nearly 3,000 years ago, has been set for choirs many times. David’s rendition exhibits craft and sensitivity which rises to the top with exquisite moments of passion and beauty.
Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your heart: 
for love is stronger than death; 
Love will not surrender its embrace

The Peace of God

by David Squires

SATB a cappella – CP 1990 – duration 2:55
This a cappella setting of the familiar benediction from Philippians is easily accessible for choirs of all levels and sizes – it has been effectively performed by groups ranging from a solo quartet to choirs of over 100. It is a moving piece for a wedding, worship service, or concert. The setting is emotionally evocative, with lush harmonies, accessible counterpoint rewarding for each part, and a satisfying climax. Recent listeners commented: “by far one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve heard in a long time…” and “beautiful…brought tears to my eyes.”
The peace of God, that passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
be amongst you, and remain with you always.
Amen.