I’ve written a number of church choir anthem lists over the years:
and more!
Today, I’m adding to the list by sharing a collection of church choir anthems composed by women.
After all, March is Women’s History Month and over the years, it’s also become a time to celebrate women in music.
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your planning this year and seeking ways to include more diversity in the voices you share and represent, here are 48 titles written by women composers to help you get started.
Choral Anthems by Women Composers (3-part + SATB)
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
The Meditations of My Heart (Elaine Hagenberg)
SATB Choir with Piano
A lyrical, delicate setting of Psalm 19:14, marked by rich harmonies, sweeping lines, and flowing accompaniment.
Three Lenten Benedictions (Barbara Furman)
SATB Choir, a cappella
A set of three simple pieces to be used as benediction responses. Particularly appropriate during Lent.
You Sing Over Me (Heather Sorenson)
SATB Choir with Piano
This anthem, based on Isaiah 62:5 and Zephaniah 3:17 features syncopated, but repetitive rhythms and a recurring chorus. Several unison passages throughout make this accessible and easy to learn.
O Love (Elaine Hagenberg)
SATB Choir with Piano
A lovely, deeply moving setting of “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.”
I Surrender All to You (arr. Mary McDonald)
SATB with piano
Set to the traditional Irish tune, SALLEY GARDENS, this anthem uses the text from “O Jesus, I Have Promised,” bringing a whole new perspective to this beautiful prayer.
Sweetest Music, Softly Stealing (Elaine Hagenberg)
SATB Choir with some divisi with Piano
Lovely text and gorgeous setting.
Carol of the Kings (arr. Ruth Elaine Schram)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Oboe and Finger Cymbals
An easy-to-prepare anthem that’s great for Epiphany Sunday. Incorporates some of “We Three Kings” in a partner-style arrangement.
My Alleluia (Heather Sorenson)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Violin and Cello
Gentle syncopation and a memorable repeated chorus, this anthem is a moving and meaningful prayer: “Before I greet the morning sun, before I start the day, I’ll thank you for the things to come, I’ll worship as I pray. Alleluia.” Listen to a recording here.
Gloria (Rosephanye Powell)
SAB Choir with Piano
A syncopated, upbeat version of the traditional text. Very accessible for smaller choirs or youth choirs.
All Praise to Thee (Elaine Hagenberg)
SATB Choir with Piano
The text of this anthem is based on a chorale by Martin Luther (Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ). Beautiful melody and lyrical writing for SATB choir and piano throughout.
Advent Introits and Benedictions (Anna Laura Page)
SATB Choir + opt. Handbells
Two festive introits and two more reflective benedictions feature simple choral part-writing and accompanying handbell parts (6 bells).
Take My Life, Lord (Anna Laura Page)
SAB Choir with Piano and Opt. Flute
A new musical setting of the old, familiar, prayerful text by Frances Havergal.
Canciones Hispanas (Medley of Spanish Carols) (arr. Audrey Snyder)
3-part Mixed Choir with Piano with opt. Percussion
A creative medley of three traditional Spanish carols, with text in both Spanish and English. Includes De Tierra Lejana Venimos (from Puerto Rico), Oi Betlehem (from Biscaya), and Fum, Fum, Fum (from Spain).
Star of Hope (Barbara Furman)
SATB Choir with Piano
A contemporary Epiphany anthem with text by Patti Drennan.
Bring Us Hope (Ruth Elaine Schram)
SAB Choir with Piano
A flexible anthem for Advent.
Walk in Light (Karen Marolli)
SAB Choir with Piano and Violin/Oboe
Beautiful for Advent or Epiphany, this tender anthem incorporates the DIVINUM MYSTERIUM tune.
Yes, My Jesus Loves Me (Mary McDonald)
SATB Choir with Piano
A fresh, new melodic setting of the traditional children’s song with a meaningful spin on the text.
Behold Our God (arr. Mary McDonald)
SATB with piano and opt. orchestra
A majestic Christmas anthem with hints of “O come let us adore Him” throughout.
I Wanna Be Ready (arr. Rosephanye Powell)
SATB Choir with Piano
A fresh setting of this classic spiritual with sparkling piano accompaniment.
Our God Is Love (Mary McDonald)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Cello
Set to the English tune, KINGSFOLD, this anthem is both majestic and singable. Beautiful, uplifting text will be an encouragement to your choir members and the members of your congregation. Listen to a recording here.
Songs for the Sanctuary I (Ashley Danyew)
SATB Choir, a cappella
A printable collection of three original pieces of service music for use as introits or responses. Includes unlimited print license.
Songs for the Sanctuary II (Ashley Danyew)
SATB Choir, a cappella
A printable collection of three original pieces of service music for use as introits or responses. Includes unlimited print license.
Pie Jesu (Mary Lynn Lightfoot)
3-part Mixed, or SATB Choir with Piano
Great for a small choir! This accessible anthem comes in a variety of different voicings and includes a few simple phrases of Latin text.
Related post: A Quick Latin Pronunciation Guide for Church Choirs
Faithful Servant (Cindy Berry)
SATB Choir with Piano
A lyrical anthem based on the Parable of the Talents story in Matthew 25:14–30.
Prayer for Peace (Mary Lynn Lightfoot)
SATB Choir with Piano
An eloquent anthem and prayer for peace, within ourselves and throughout the world.
My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness (arr. Heather Sorenson)
SAB with piano
This setting of Keith Getty and Stuart Townend’s piece features a hymn-like melody with an interesting, yet supportive piano accompaniment. A lovely anthem of gratitude and praise.
Prayer to Jehovah (Molly Ijames)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Strings
A surprising, sweeping setting of the traditional hymn text, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” brings the words to life in a whole new way. Listen to a recording here.
You Are Known (Heather Sorenson)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Violin, Cello, and Synthesizer
A message of assurance and hope.
Redeemer (arr. Heather Sorenson)
SAB or SATB Choir with Piano
The strong message: “I know my Redeemer lives” is a recurring statement throughout this majestic anthem. A familiar verse/chorus structure and several unison/2-part passages make it accessible for smaller youth choirs. The text is based on Job 19:25, Psalm 95:4-6, and Psalm 104:18-20.
Songs for the Sanctuary: Alleluias & Amens (Ashley & Steve Danyew)
SATB Choir, a cappella
A printable collection of three Alleluias and three Amens for use as introits, responses, or other service music. Includes unlimited print license.
A La Puerta del Cielo (In a Humble Manger) (arr. Audrey Snyder)
3-part Mixed or SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Text: Spanish with opt. English
A beautiful, lyrical setting of a traditional 16th-century Spanish lullaby. This would be lovely for a Lessons and Carols service!
Silent Night (Close Your Eyes and Sleep) (arr. Heather Sorenson)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Instrumental Accompaniment
A lyrical, more contemporary setting of “Silent Night,” with a few slight rhythmic variations and an original song, “Close Your Eyes and Sleep” in the middle. Listen to a recording here.
Christmas Communion (Heather Sorenson)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Violin (or C instrument)
This anthem begins simply with an unaccompanied statement of “Silent Night” played by the violin (or C instrument). Peaceful, reflective, and contemplative with text by Barbara Furman. A wonderful choice for Christmas Eve.
What Child Is This? (arr. Molly Ijames)
SATB Choir with piano
New and interesting harmonies in the choral parts and the piano accompaniment. Rich and full.
I Shall Not Live in Vain (Ruth Morris Gray)
SAB Choir with Piano and opt. Violin
Beautiful lyrics by Emily Dickinson speak of the influence we can have and the good we can do with our lives. “If I can keep one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain." Listen to a recording here.
Come to the Water (arr. Lynda Hasseler)
SATB Choir with Piano
A favorite of every choir I’ve worked with. Simple writing, memorable, and a strong message. P.S. Try it down a half-step in the key of A-flat major.
Oh, How Good It Is (arr. Molly Ijames)
SATB with piano and opt. instruments
With a lilting, Celtic flare, this piece, written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, is based on Ephesians 4 with themes of unity, praise, and God’s presence among us. An accessible 4-part anthem, with several unison or 2-part passages.
I Will Arise (arr. Robert Shaw/Alice Parker)
SATB Choir, a cappella
A classical setting of this traditional hymn.
Pues Si Vivimos (While We Are Living) (arr. Alice Parker)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Congregation
A singable arrangement of the traditional Spanish hymn found in the United Methodist and Presbyterian hymnals. Includes a reproducible part for the congregation to join in.
Sunday Rounds (Alice Parker)
Unison/2-part/3-part Choir, a cappella
A set of simple rounds for worship—great for children, youth, or adult choirs, or a combined intergenerational experience.
Ma Navu (How Beautiful) (arr. Audrey Snyder)
3-part Mixed or SATB Choir with Piano
Featuring Hebrew and English text, this sparkling setting of a traditional Jewish folk song has text drawn from Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful are upon the mountains the feet of the messenger of good tidings: of salvation and peace.”
Dormi, Dormi, Bel Bambin (Sleep, Sleep, Oh Beautiful Child) (arr. Valerie Showers Crescenz)
SSA Choir with Piano and FluteText: Italian and English
Great for a women’s trio or ensemble, this Italian Christmas carol features a sweet, lullaby-like section, contrasted with an upbeat “fa la la” section.
A Christmas Gloria (Navidad Gloriosa) (Evelyn Larter)
SAB or SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Flute
Text: Spanish and English
Based on a traditional Spanish carol (A La Nanita Nana), a percussive keyboard accompaniment provides contrast with the lyrical vocal lines. Sing it in Spanish, English, or a combination of both!
Thou Who Wast Rich (arr. Molly Ijames)
SATB Choir with Piano
A lovely setting of a lesser-known Christmas carol, with text by Frank Houghton (based on 2 Corinthians 8). Beautiful!
When Morning Gilds the Skies (arr. Molly Ijames)
SATB Choir with Piano (opt. orchestration)
A gradual crescendo throughout this anthem illustrates the sunrise. Beautiful text for Easter Sunday!
A Canon of Praise (Natalie Sleeth/arr. Kathy Lowrie)
3-Part Mixed Choir with Piano + opt. 3-Octave Handbells
A joyful canon featuring three melodies each presented in 3-part canon, then combined the last time. A festive handbell part and simple piano accompaniment help tie everything together. Listen to a recording here.
How Far Is It to Bethlehem? (arr. Molly Ijames)
SATB or 2-Part Choir with Piano
A beautiful, accessible arrangement of this traditional carol with fresh harmonies and interesting piano accompaniment.
Choral Responses for Worship (Emma Lou Diemer)
SATB Choir, a cappella
Over 30 creative, original responses for worship, including 12 Amens, 7 introits (opening sentences), 4 invitations to prayer, 3 prayer responses, 3 responses to Scripture, and 4 benediction responses (dismissal sentences).
I’d love to hear from you:
What are your favorite choral anthems by women composers?
