Geoffrey Hudson, Composer
Composer and choral conductor Geoffrey Hudson’s music has been performed across the US and in Europe. His choral catalog includes numerous a cappella and accompanied settings. His instrumental works include The Quartet Project, a six-volume collection of string quartets, selections of which have been recorded by leading American ensembles like the Chiara, Borromeo, Brooklyn Rider, and Parker quartets. Geoffrey holds degrees in composition from Oberlin and New England Conservatory. Since 2001, he has directed Pioneer Valley Cappella, Quabbin Valley Pro Musica, and the chorus at Greenwood Music Camp’s Junior Division.
Selected Choral Samples
Click on the titles below for sample scores.
A Passion for the Planet (2019) – for soli, chorus, and orchestra
An hour-long oratorio about the climate crisis, scored for SATB chorus, soprano and baritone soloists, instrumental ensemble, and optional children’s chorus. The libretto blends scientific prose, poetry, and sacred texts to trace a musical journey that begins in gratitude, travels through the darker truths of the climate crisis, and emerges in to hope. Premiered in 2019 by Tony Thornton and the Illuminati Vocal Arts Ensemble, reprised in 2023 by Chris Shepard and CONCORA. In 2024, the Oratorio Society of Minnesota will present two performances under the baton of Matthew Mehaffey.
The World That Is All One Thing (2018) – for SATB chorus and optional piano
Composed in 2018 after Pat McDonagh, a friend and longtime chorus member, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Within days of her diagnosis, a mutual friend had written a leave-taking poem for Pat. A few days after that, Geoff set the words to music and a small group of Pat’s friends gathered to record themselves singing it. In the weeks that remained to Pat, she returned to that recording often and the music was sung at her memorial service a few months later. While the poem’s details are particular to Pat and her life, its themes of memory, departure, and death are universal.
The Question (2019) – for children’s chorus (SABar.) and piano
Commissioned and premiered by Hampshire Young People’s Chorus (K.C. Conlan, music director). Setting of words by Theo Dorgan: “What have you done with what was given you? What have you done with the blue, beautiful world?”
Ave Maria (2022) – for women’s voices (SAA)
A short, lyrical setting of the ancient prayer.
Two New England Songs (2007) – for SATB chorus and piano
Settings of Henry David Thoreau’s “The Dreaming of the Frogs” and Jane Kenyon’s “Let Evening Come”.
Your Love, O Lord (2002) – for SATB chorus, unison chorus (congregation) and piano
Commissioned by the American Composers Forum’s Faith Partners program and premiered by Messiah Baptist Church (Brockton, MA) and Temple Sinai (Sharon, MA).
Knocking with a Rose (1994) – for SATB chorus
Settings of three brief and early poems by e.e. cummings.
Sample Arrangements
Click on the titles below for sample scores.
An American Handful: Five Folk Songs for SATB chorus and piano (2023)
Five classic American folk songs about murder, love, time, grief, and trains.
A Shaker Set: Eight Shaker Tunes for SATB chorus (2006)
Eight simple and elegant Shaker tunes harmonized for four voices.