ELEANOR DALEY
Eleanor Daley (born April 21, 1955) is a Canadian composer of choral and church music, a church choir director, choral clinician and accompanist. She lives and works in Toronto, Ontario. Among her best-known works are The Rose Trilogy and Requiem.
Daley was born in Parry Sound, Ontario. She earned a bachelor’s degree in organ performance from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and attained diplomas in piano and organ, having studied in both Canada and England.
As a composer, Daley has been commissioned by choral groups and arts organizations throughout North America and Europe. In Canada, she composed for the Elmer Iseler Singers, the Amadeus Choir, the Bach Children’s Chorus, the Toronto Children’s Chorus, the Amabile Youth Singers, St. Mary’s Children’s Choir, the Cantabile Singers of Kingston, the Savridi Singers, the Vancouver Men’s Chorus and the Victoria Scholars.
Daley worked under commission to a number of groups in the United States, including the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, Texas Woman’s University, the Texas Choral Directors Association, and received the 2008 Brock Commission from the American Choral Directors Association. Commissions from Europe include festivals in Norway and Germany, and England’s Oxford University Press. Daley’s music has been published by Canadian, US, and UK-based printing houses. Daley’s a cappella work “I Sing a Maiden” was performed in New York in 2014 by a 400-voice choir as part of an International Women’s Day celebration.
Daley continues to work as a composer. Her work “My Master from a Garden Rose” has been recorded by the Genesis Ensemble. 2018 she serves as the music and choir director at Fairlawn Avenue United Church and as accompanist for the Bach Children’s Chorus.
Each Child
by Eleanor Daley
poetry by Scot Denton
SSA with piano – KH 029 – duration 4:15
When he or she is born, the world is changed
if only just a little bit.
Loyal Hearts
by Eleanor Daley
SATB with piano – KH 063 – duration 4:35
There are souls that are pure and true;
Then give to the world the best you have,
Missa Brevis No. 8
by Eleanor Daley
SATB a cappella – KH 068 – duration 3:30
Kyrie, Benedictus, Hosanna and Agnus Dei composed in a very practical and compelling way by Eleanor. The three movements can be presented separately or together as a trilogy.
O Be Joyful in the Lord
by Eleanor Daley
SATB with organ or piano – KH 075 – duration 3:35
Psalm 100 is one of the happiest poems. Eleanor’s setting of the ancient text would make a wonderful introit or benediction to any service or program.
and come before his presence with a song.
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.
and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
• O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands,
O Lord, Support Us
by Eleanor Daley
SATB a cappella – KH 077 – duration 1:25
This beautiful prayer, from the Book of Common Prayer, is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Elmer Iseler (1927-1998). Dr. Iseler was a prominent figure in the choral world and one of Canada’s treasures. Eleanor’s composition would make a fitting benediction for almost any occassion.
O Lord, support us all the day long
until the shadows lengthen and evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over
and our work is done;
