RSCM Centenary: Songs of the Spirit Choral Commission

As the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2027, a major new musical milestone is on the horizon – a significant new choral commission, Songs of the Spirit, written by the award-winning and newly-awarded honorary Fellow of the RSCM, British composer Thomas Hewitt Jones.

This isn’t just a new piece of music; it is an invitation for choirs around the world to become part of choral history through an innovative co-commissioning project.

A Work for Our Time

Thomas Hewitt Jones

Songs of the Spirit is an uplifting 40-minute suite of songs designed to inspire singers of all backgrounds. At its heart, the work explores a deeply human theme: the longing for safety and belonging in an increasingly complex world. Rooted in Christian values, it offers a message of hope and kindness, inviting reflection on identity and purpose in 2026 and beyond.

Musically, you can expect the hallmark style that has made Thomas Hewitt Jones a favourite among choirs: unforgettable melodies, lyrical clarity, and radiant harmonies. Known for his widely sung carols and the viral choral hit Can you hear me?, Hewitt Jones has crafted this suite to be both accessible and impactful.

Can You Hear Me? | composed by Thomas Hewitt Jones

Understanding the diverse needs of modern ensembles, in particular those with smaller forces or less experienced choirs, the work is designed with maximum flexibility. Scored primarily for SATB, Songs of the Spirit includes movements specifically for children’s choir alone, accompanied by optional piano, organ and strings. The work can be performed as a complete 40-minute cantata or as standalone movements. It features a rousing hymn-like finale, which allows for audience participation.

Listen to an excerpt:
Thomas Hewitt Jones: Songs of the Spirit (excerpt)

While commissioning a major work is often beyond the reach of individual choirs, the RSCM’s co-commissioning model makes it possible for everyone. For a donation of £300, your choir will receive:

Exclusive performance rights during the work’s first year of publication.
Your choir’s name printed in the list of commissioners within the published score.
A commemorative, hard-bound, signed score.
30% off all scores purchased for your choir in the first year.
Full support resources to aid the learning process.
A personalised video message from Thomas Hewitt Jones to your singers.

This project follows the very successful model of A Season to Sing by Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, commissioned by the RSCM to mark the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, which saw over 50 choirs worldwide perform the work in 2025. Previous participants praised the RSCM’s “brilliant resources,” “efficiency,” and the feeling of being “valued throughout the process,” even from the other side of the world.

The closing date for choirs to sign up is 31 March 2026, with scores available from September 2026