KELLY-MARIE MURPHY

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Kelly-Marie Murphy was born on a NATO base in Sardegna, Italy, and grew up on Canadian Armed Forces bases all across Canada.  She began her studies in composition at the University of Calgary with William Jordan and Allan Bell, and later received a Ph.D. in composition from the University of Leeds, England, where she studied with Philip Wilby.  After living and working for many years in the Washington D.C. area where she was designated “an alien of extraordinary ability” by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service, she is now based in Ottawa.

Dr. Murphy’s music has been performed around the world by outstanding soloists and ensembles, and has had radio broadcasts in over 22 countries.  Her music has been interpreted by renowned conductors such as Sir Andrew Davis, David Brophy, Bramwell Tovey, and Mario Bernardi.  Her music has been heard in iconic concert halls, such as Carnegie Hall in New York, The Mozarteum in Salzburg, and The National Concert Hall in Dublin.
photo by Alan Dean Photography

Alléluia

by Kelly-Marie Murphy

SSAA – cappella – –    CP 1529   – 2:30
A joyful setting of the single word, Alléluia, with playful vocal percussion, this piece is suitable for advanced treble choirs.  Written for Ottawa’s l’Ensemble vocal sénior De La Salle, Robert Filion, chef de choeur, it was premiered in Edmonton at the Podium choral convention.

Comforting Nathan

by Kelly-Marie Murphy

SSSAATTBB – cappella – CP 2174 – duration 4:15
The irony and sadness of this lovely composition would be perfectly suited for a Remembrance/Memorial episode in any concert. It was written for the unarmed soldier, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was gunned down while standing guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, October,2014.  The text are the words of comfort spoken to him by a passersby as he lay dying.

Hodie Christus Natus Est

by Kelly-Marie Murphy

SSA with piano – –    CP 1660   – 3:30   
SSA with harp – –    CP 1665
This exuberant Christmas proclamation is a stunner: great fun for the singer and stirring for the listener.
This quality recording features a fine harp player.  The harp version is available upon request.

Instrument of Peace

by Kelly-Marie Murphy

SSA with piano – –    CP 1389   – 3:40
The famous text of St. Francis of Assisi comes through with heartfelt clarity in this beautiful setting for treble voices.

String Quartet accompaniment – (optional – for an accomplished players – and not available through retailers) 
$20 for the set (sent via PDF files): 

Miserere

by Kelly-Marie Murphy

SSAATTBB – cappella – –    CP 1418   – 4:25
“Have mercy” is the first thought in Psalm 51. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and create a right spirit within me.”  Kelly-Marie’s setting of the text is designed for accomplished choirs.  Allegri and Gorecki gave  classic renderings of this text.  Dr. Murphy’s setting is surely in their category of poignancy and excellence.
From the Canadian Chamber Choir Series, this piece is suitable for an accomplished choir.