GAIL POULSEN
Gail Poulsen is a violinist and songwriter from beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Gail studied violin performance at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Her teacher, Kathy Rapoport encouraged and sustained Gail’s love of composition and Celtic music. In 2008, Gail began composing music for her church, Jubilee CRC. This congregation has many wonderful professional musicians whose voices have helped to inspire Gail’s compositions. Some of those songs have been published in hymnals, won major competitions, and are used to advertise Re-frame Media’s Kid’s Corner. Her compositions have been performed by the Niagara Symphony, Niagara Youth Orchestra, Chorus Niagara, Avanti Chamber Choir, Young Singers of Niagara, and many churches. In 2015, Gail produced the CD, Songs of Jubilee. This album features songs written by Gail and co-lyricist, Linda Lensink. Many of her songs have been arranged for choir by Dr. Harris Loewen.
Celtic Blessing
by Gail Poulsen, arr. Harris Loewen
SATB with piano – CP 1488 – duration 3:25
SAB with piano – CP 1557
The lyrics for this work expand upon the familiar Irish Blessing, with several new stanzas offering a wish for peace, joy, hope and love. This arrangement includes a hint of gospel-style choral writing, and features celtic-flavoured instrumental parts
I'll Leave a Candle in the Window
by Gail Poulsen, arr. Ruth MacVicar
SAB with piano – CP 2976 – duration 4:15
There is a beautiful Irish tradition that takes place on Christmas Eve. The youngest child lights a candle, which is placed in the front window. This single flame is a sign of welcome to the lost, the hungry, or anyone who is far from home.
This deeply expressive song speaks of radical hope: the hope that is born out of a single act of kindness. The first verse refers to people finding their way in darkness–a vague reference to Mary and Joseph’s harrowing journey. The second verse reminds those who are wandering to “look up”, and find direction from the stars. The song ends with a call to continue the great work that began on the darkest of nights.
Mary's Heart
by Gail Poulsen
SATB – with piano and violin (or other solo instrument) – CP 1753 – duration 4:20
Christmas or any other time of the year is the ideal time to celebrate the miraculous nativity – God with us. The Virgin Mary looks down at the child in her arms and what does she think? Gail captures the profoundness of the notion in this poignant and lovely composition.
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jason@cypresschoral.com
Composers
Catalogue
Special Collections
Gordon Lightfoot
Songs for the Sanctuary
Vancouver Youth Choir Series
Canadian Chamber Choir Series
Elektra Women"s Choir Series
La Série Enchantée (French))
The Zimfira Collection (Children)
Profondo - (Lower Voices)
Universal Gospel Choir
Jean-Sébastien Vallée Series
Diane Loomer Choral Series (Folk Song)