• Missa Brevis (1977), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • written when the composer was aged 17; first complete performance was given by Cappella Nova under Alan Tavener on 22 November 2007. •
The Lamb has come for us from the House of David (1979), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • first performed by the Schola Sancti Alberti directed by the composer at St. Peter's,
Edinburgh on 9 June 1979. •
On Love (1984), for solo voice
or unison trebles and organ • premièred by Barbara Kelly with the composer accompanying at the Chapel of St Albert the Great,
Edinburgh on 18 August 1984. • ''St. Anne's Mass
(1985), for unison voices and piano or'' organ with optional S.A.T.B. choir • congregational mass, setting movements from the
Catholic Mass •
Cantos Sagrados (1989), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • commissioned by the
Scottish Arts Council for the Scottish Chamber Choir, who gave the work's première under Colin Tipple at
Old St Paul's Church,
Edinburgh on 10 February 1990. •
Cantos Sagrados (1989, orch.1997), for S.A.T.B. choir and orchestra • version premièred by
Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Chorus under
Christopher Bell at
Glasgow Cathedral on 21 February 1998. • ''Catherine's Lullabies'' (1990), for S.A.T.B. choir, brass sextet and percussion • first performed by the John Currie Singers in
Glasgow on 10 February 1991. •
Divo Aloysio Sacrum (1991), for S.A.T.B. choir and optional organ • first performed by the
Royal Scottish National Choir and the
Edinburgh Festival Ensemble directed by
Christopher Bell at
St. Giles Cathedral,
Edinburgh on 27 August 1993 as part of the
Edinburgh International Festival. •
So Deep (1992), for S.S.A.A.T.T.B.B. choir with optional oboe and viola solos • arrangement of ''O my luve's like a red, red rose'' by
Robert Burns (who wrote both the words and melody) •
...here in hiding... (1993), for four male voices
or unaccompanied choir • commissioned by the
Hilliard Ensemble, who gave the première at the
Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama,
Glasgow on 10 August 1993. •
Seven Last Words from the Cross (1993),
cantata for S.S.A.A.T.T.B.B. choir and string orchestra • commissioned by
BBC Television; premièred as seven nightly broadcasts during
Holy Week 1994, performed by Cappella Nova,
Scottish Ensemble under Alan Tavener. •
Christus Vincit (1994), for soprano solo and a cappella S.S.A.A.T.T.B.B. choir • premièred by combined choirs from
Westminster Abbey,
Westminster Cathedral and
St Paul's Cathedral directed by
John Scott at
St Paul's Cathedral,
London on 23 November 1994. •
Màiri (1995), for unaccompanied 16-part choir • commissioned by the
BBC; premièred by the
BBC Singers directed by
Bo Holten at
St John's, Smith Square,
London on 19 May 1995. •
Seinte Mari moder milde (1995), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • commissioned by
King's College, Cambridge; premièred by the choir of King's College directed by
Stephen Cleobury in
Cambridge on 24 December 1995. • ''A Child's Prayer'' (1996), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir with two treble/soprano soloists • first performed by the choir of
Westminster Abbey directed by
Martin Neary in
Westminster,
London on 4 July 1996. •
The Galloway Mass (1996), for cantor, congregation, choir and organ • first performed by the congregation of
Good Shepherd Cathedral,
Ayr on 25 March 1997. • ''The Halie Speerit's Dauncers'' (1996), for unison children's choir and piano • written as a gift for the Corpus Christi Primary School,
Glasgow, where it was first performed on 28 April 1997. •
On the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin (1996), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • first performed by the choir of
Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge under the direction of Geoffrey Webber with Andrew Arthur (organ) at
Caius Chapel,
Cambridge on 27 April 1997. •
Changed (1997), for S.A.T.B. mixed choir with organ, harp string trio or similar • first performed by the Cunninghame Choir and members of the North Ayrshire Youth Band directed by Dorothy Howden at Walker Hall,
Kilbirnie,
Ayrshire on 12 December 1998. •
The Gallant Weaver (1997), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • premièred by
Paisley Abbey Choir under the direction of
George McPhee at the Thomas Coats Memorial Church,
Paisley on 14 April 1997. •
A New Song (1997), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • written for the choir of
St Bride's Church, Glasgow, who gave the first performance directed by Robert Marshall with Peter Christie (organ) on 1 March 1998. •
The Prophecy (1997), for two-part school choir and instrumental ensemble • premièred by children from the Haringey Schools and members of
The Philharmonia directed by
Nicholas Wilks, John Cooney and the composer at the
Queen Elizabeth Hall,
Southbank Centre,
London on 11 October 1997. •
Quickening (1998), for counter-tenor, two tenor and baritone soli, children's choir, S.A.T.B. choir and orchestra • co-commissioned by the
BBC Proms and the
Philadelphia Orchestra; premièred by the
Hilliard Ensemble, the
Westminster Cathedral Boys' Choir, the
BBC Symphony Chorus, and the
BBC Symphony Orchestra under
Sir Andrew Davis at the
Royal Albert Hall,
London on 5 September 1999. •
Heyoka Te Deum (1999), for three-part treble voices, flute, tubular bells and piano • written for the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, who gave the work's première under the direction of Dianne Berkon in
New York on 3 May 2001. • Magnificat (1999), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • commissioned by the
BBC for the first choral
evensong of the
Millennium. It was premièred by the choir of
Winchester Cathedral under
David Hill at
Winchester Cathedral on 15 July 2000. • Magnificat (1999), for S.A.T.B. choir and orchestra • version first performed by the
Wells Cathedral Choir, the
St. John's College Choir, and the
BBC Philharmonic under the composer at
Wells Cathedral,
Wells on 5 January 2000. •
The Company of Heaven (1999), for two-part children's choir and organ, with optional wind band &
carnyx • commissioned by Partick 2000, a grouping of churches and community organisations in the
Partick area of
Glasgow, to celebrate the
Millennium. • Mass (2000), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • commissioned by
Westminster Cathedral for the
Millennium; premièred by the choir of
Westminster Cathedral directed by
Martin Baker with Andrew Reid (organ) at
Westminster Cathedral,
London on 22 June 2000. •
The Birds of Rhiannon (2001),
tone poem for orchestra with optional S.A.T.B. choir • commissioned by the
BBC Proms; first performed by
The Sixteen and the
BBC Philharmonic under the composer at the
Royal Albert Hall,
London on 26 July 2001. • Nunc Dimittis (2000), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • commissioned by
Winchester Cathedral; premièred by the choir of
Winchester Cathedral directed by
David Hill with Philip Scriven (organ) in
Winchester on 15 July 2000. •
Dutch Carol (2001), for unison treble voices and piano • sets a traditional
Dutch Christmas text, in a translation from the
Oxford Book of Carols. • Nunc Dimittis (2001), for S.A.T.B. choir and orchestra • version first performed by the
BBC Singers and the
BBC Philharmonic under the composer at
Bridgewater Hall,
Manchester on 16 November 2001. • Te Deum (2001), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • written for the choir of the
Chapel Royal, HM Tower of London, who gave the work's première directed by Stephen Tilton at the
Tower of London on 3 February 2002. •
Tremunt videntes angeli (2001), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • commissioned by
Sir Eduardo Paolozzi in the
Resurrection Chapel of St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh. Premièred by the
Choir of St. Mary's Cathedral directed by Matthew Owens in
St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral,
Edinburgh on 9 May 2002. •
O bone Jesu (2002), for a cappella mixed choir • commissioned by
The Sixteen, who premièred the work directed by
Harry Christophers at
Southwark Cathedral,
London on 10 October 2002. •
To My Successor (2002), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • setting of a text by
George Herbert, written for the enthronement of
Dr. Rowan Williams as
Archbishop of Canterbury. Premièred by the
Choir of Canterbury Cathedral under the direction of
David Flood (organist) at
Canterbury Cathedral,
Canterbury on 27 February 2003. •
Chosen (2003), for S.A.A.T.T.B. choir and organ • premièred by the choir of
Paisley Abbey directed by [George McPhee] with Oliver Rundell (organ) in
Glasgow on 24 December 2003. •
Give me justice (2003), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir •
introit for the 5th Sunday of
Lent •
Give me justice, O God (2004), for unaccompanied voices • chant –
introit •
Gospel Acclamation (2004), for unaccompanied voices • chant •
Laudi alla Vergine Maria (2004), for a cappella S.S.A.A.T.T.B.B. choir • premièred by the Netherlands Chamber Choir directed by
Stephen Layton at St Janskerk,
Gouda on 6 October 2004. •
The Lord is my life and my help (2004), for unaccompanied unison voices • chant –
introit •
Remember your mercies, Lord (2004), for unaccompanied voices • Entrance
Antiphon – chant •
Bless the Lord, my soul (2005), for S.A.T.B. choir •
responsorial psalm •
Nemo te condemnavit (2005), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • commissioned by the
Yale Glee Club, who gave the work's première under the direction of
Jeffrey Douma at
Yale University,
New Haven,
Connecticut on 18 November 2005. •
Out of the depths (2005), for S.A.T.B. choir •
responsorial psalm •
The Spirit of the Lord fills the whole world (2005), for S.A.T.B. choir • Entrance
Antiphon •
The Strathclyde Motets – Factus est repente (2005), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir •
Communion motet for
Pentecost. Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by Strathclyde University Chamber Choir directed by Alan Tavener in
Glasgow on 15 May 2005. •
The Strathclyde Motets – In splendoribus sanctorum (2005), for S.A.T.B. choir and obbligato trumpet
or organ •
Communion motet for
Nativity Midnight Mass. Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by the choir of St Columba's RC Parish Church, Glasgow on 24 December 2005. •
The Strathclyde Motets – Sedebit Dominus Rex (2005), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir •
Communion motet for the
Feast of Christ the King. Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir under the direction of Alan Tavener in
Glasgow on 20 November 2005. •
The Strathclyde Motets – Videns Dominus (2005), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir •
Communion motet for the 5th Sunday in
Lent. Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir directed by Alan Tavener in
Glasgow on 13 March 2005. •
When he calls to me, I will answer (2005), for unaccompanied choir • Entrance
antiphon – chant •
After Virtue (2006), for a cappella S.S.A.A.T.B.B. choir • commissioned by the Oslo International Church Music Festival; premièred by the Oslo Soloists Choir directed by Grete Pedersen in
Oslo on 18 March 2007. •
Invocation (2006), for a cappella S.A.T.B. double choir • written for the Oriel Singers, who gave the work's first performance directed by Tim Morris in
Tewkesbury Abbey on 11 July 2006. •
Let the sons of Israel say (2006), for S.A.T.B. choir •
responsorial psalm •
O Lord, you had just cause (2006), for S.A.T.B. choir • Entrance
Antiphon – chant •
The Strathclyde Motets – Dominus dabit benignitatem (2006), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir •
communion motet for the 1st Sunday in
Advent. Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir directed by Alan Tavener at St Columba's RC Parish Church, Glasgow on 3 December 2006. •
The Strathclyde Motets – Mitte manum tuam (2006), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir •
Communion motet for 2nd Sunday of
Easter. Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir directed by Alan Tavener on 23 April 2006. •
Success (2006), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • brief setting of words by
Bessie Stanley; work written as a tribute to Helen Millar on the occasion of her 75th birthday. •
Sun-Dogs (2006), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir (with multiple divisi) • commissioned by
Indiana University; premièred by the
Indiana University Contemporary Vocal Ensemble directed by Carmen Téllez at
Auer Hall, Indiana University in
Bloomington, Indiana on 6 August 2006. •
Tenebrae Responsories (2006), for a cappella S.S.A.A.T.T.B.B. vocal ensemble • commissioned by Cappella Nova, who premièred the work under the direction of Alan Tavener at
St Andrew's in the Square,
Glasgow on 4 April 2007. •
...fiat mihi... (2007), for a cappella S.S.A.A.T.T.B.B. choir • written for the Bath Camerata, who gave the work's première under Nigel Perrin at
Wells Cathedral,
Wells on 21 March 2008. •
Our Father, Doxology, Acclamation and Great Amen (2007), for unison voices and organ •
St. John Passion (2007), for baritone solo, S.A.T.B. choir and orchestra • dedicated to
Sir Colin Davis on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Co-commissioned by the
London Symphony Orchestra and the
Boston Symphony; premièred by the
London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus with baritone
Christopher Maltman under
Sir Colin Davis at the
Barbican Centre,
London on 17 April 2008. •
The Strathclyde Motets – The Canticle of Zachariah (2007), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir directed by Alan Tavener at St Columba's RC Parish Church, Glasgow on 2 December 2007. •
The Strathclyde Motets – O Radiant Dawn (2007), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir •
Advent antiphon. Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by the choir of St Columba's RC Parish Church, Glasgow on 2 December 2007. •
The Strathclyde Motets – Data est mihi omnis potestas (2007), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir •
Communion motet for
Ascension Day. Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir directed by Alan Tavener at St Columba's RC Parish Church, Glasgow on 14 May 2007. •
O (2008), for three-part treble choir, trumpet and string orchestra
or organ • premièred by students of the
St. Mary's Music School in
Queen's Hall,
Edinburgh on 23 June 2008. •
And lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them (2009), for three mixed-voiced choirs a cappella • commissioned by
Ex Cathedra, who gave the work's première under the direction of
Jeffrey Skidmore at
St Paul's Church, Birmingham on 19 December 2009. • ''Padre Pio's Prayer'' (2008), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • commissioned by
The Sixteen, who premièred the work under the direction of
Harry Christophers at
Westminster Cathedral,
London on 3 June 2008. •
The Song of the Lamb (2008), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • commissioned by The House of Hope Presbyterian Church,
Minnesota; premièred by the choir of The House of Hope Presbyterian Church directed by Andrew Altenbach with Nancy Lancaster (organ) in
St. Paul,
Minnesota on 9 March 2008. •
The Strathclyde Motets – Pascha nostrum imolatus est (2008), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir •
communion motet for
Easter Day. Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy, and premièred by the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir directed by Alan Tavener at St Columba's RC Parish Church, Glasgow on 23 March 2008. •
The Strathclyde Motets – Os mutorum (2008), for two-part women's choir and medieval harp • Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by Canty at St Columba's RC Parish Church, Glasgow on 22 June 2008. •
The Strathclyde Motets – Lux Aeterna (2008), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir directed by Alan Tavener at St Columba's RC Parish Church, Glasgow on 2 November 2008. •
Benedictus Deus (2009), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • commissioned by
Westminster Cathedral; first performed by Westminster Cathedral Choir directed by Martin Baker at
Westminster Cathedral,
London on 21 May 2009. •
Bring us, O Lord God (2009), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • commissioned by
Schola Cantorum of Oxford, who gave the first performance under the direction of James Burton at the
Sheldonian Theatre,
Oxford on 1 May 2010. •
Jubilate Deo (2009), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • premièred by the choir of
Wells Cathedral under the direction of Matthew Owens with Jonathan Vaughn (organ) at
Wells Cathedral on 17 May 2009. •
Miserere (2009), for a cappella mixed choir • commissioned by
The Sixteen, who gave the première under
Harry Christophers in
Antwerp on 29 August 2009. •
Serenity (2009), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • premièred by students of
St. Aloysius' College in
Glasgow on 21 June 2009. •
Summae Trinitati (2009), for S.A.T.B. choir, brass septet, timpani and organ • premièred by the
Choir of Westminster Cathedral directed by
Martin Baker at
Westminster Cathedral,
London on 21 May 2009. •
Tota pulchra es (2009), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • premièred by the
Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at the
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in
Washington, D.C., on 8 July 2010. •
Who are these angels? (2009), for male vocal ensemble (T.T.Bar.B.B.) and string quartet • setting of an anonymous text (attributed to
St. Augustine); premièred by
DoelenKwartet and
ensemble amarcord in
Grote or Sint-Laurenskerk,
Rotterdam on 28 April 2009. •
Ave Maria (2010), for S.A.T.B. choir and organ • first performed by the Boys, Girls and Men of
All Saints Northampton directed by Lee Dunleavy with Richard Pinel (organ) at
St George's Chapel, Windsor on 27 July 2010. •
Lassie, wad ye loe me? (2010), for a cappella mixed voices with multiple divisi • setting of an anonymous Scottish text •
Mass of Blessed John Henry Newman (2010), for cantor, congregation, organ with optional brass and timpani • commissioned for
Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the UK; first performed in
Bellahouston Park,
Glasgow on 16 September 2010. •
Sonnet (2010), for vocal duet (S.S.
or S.MS.) a cappella • words by
Shakespeare •
The Strathclyde Motets – Qui meditabitur (2010), for a cappella S.S.A.T.T.B.B. choir •
Communion antiphon for
Ash Wednesday. Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by Strathclyde University Chamber Choir directed by Alan Tavener at St Columba's RC Parish Church, Glasgow on 17 February 2010. •
The Strathclyde Motets – Benedicimus Deum caeli (2010), for a cappella S.S.A.T.T.B. choir • Gifted to the University of Strathclyde Chaplaincy; premièred by the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir directed by Alan Tavener at St Columba's RC Parish Church, Glasgow on 30 May 2010. •
Think of how God loves you (2010), for a cappella S.A.T.B. choir • premièred by the choir of
St Columba Church of Scotland, Glasgow directed by the composer on 22 August 2010. •
Tu es Petrus (2010), for S.A.T.B. choir, brass ensemble, percussion and organ •
Introit – premièred by the
Choir of Westminster Cathedral under the direction of
Martin Baker in
Westminster Cathedral on 18 September 2010. •
Credo (2011) for S.A.T.B. choir and orchestra • premièred by the BBC Philharmonic, the Manchester Chamber Choir, the Northern Sinfonia Chorus, and the Rushley Singers under the direction of
Juanjo Mena on 7 August 2012 •
Cum vidisset Jesus (2012), for a cappella S.S.S.S.A.A.T.T.B.B. choir •
Antiphon on the Feast of the Seven Dolours of the Blessed Virgin Mary; commissioned by Sacred Music at the
University of Notre Dame in honor of the
Sisters of the Holy Cross; premièred by the Notre Dame Festival Chorus under the direction of Carmen-Helena Téllez at Leighton Hall, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center,
University of Notre Dame on 15 September 2012. •
Since it was the Day of Preparation... (2015), for S.A.T.B. choir (or soloists), bass soloist and instrumental ensemble (cello, clarinet, French horn, harp and
theorbo) • A setting of the continuation of
St John's Gospel after the end of the often-set Passion narrative, involving Christ's burial and post-Resurrection appearances to His disciples. First performed at
Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh on 22 August 2012 by Hebrides Ensemble and Synergy Vocals with William Conway (cello) and Brindley Sherratt (bass soloist) as part of the
Edinburgh International Festival. •
Stabat Mater (2015), for chorus and orchestra • MacMillan's setting of the
Stabat Mater, the Biblical scene of Mary under the cross upon which hangs Jesus, her son. Commissioned by the
Genesis Foundation. First performed at the
Barbican Centre, London on 15 October 2016 by
The Sixteen and
Britten Sinfonia, directed by
Harry Christophers. •
Ut omnes unum sint (2015), for a cappella S.S.A.A.T.T.B.B. choir and T.T.B. soloists • A setting of John 17:21–22, Christ's exhortation for unity amongst his followers. Commissioned by Belfast choir Cappella Caeciliana for its 20th anniversary, and dedicated to its Musical Director Donal McCrisken. The trio solo is written for the choir's founder members
The Priests. First performed at
St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh (Roman Catholic), on 21 November 2015 by Cappella Caeciliana, directed by the composer. Recorded by Cappella Caeciliana and
The Priests on the CD
UNITY May they all be one. •
A European Requiem (2015), for countertenor (or alto), baritone, mixed chorus, and orchestra • Commissioned by the
Oregon Bach Festival, partially supported by an award from the
National Endowment for the Arts. First performed at the
Hult Center for the Performing Arts in
Eugene, Oregon, on 2 July 2016 by the countertenor Christopher Ainslie, the baritone Morgan Smith, the Berwick Chorus of the Oregon Bach Festival, and the Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra conducted by Matthew Halls. •
The Present (2017), for SATB chorus and piano • Commissioned by
the Glasgow School of Art Choir. World premiere recording released 27 May 2022. •
Symphony No. 5 (2018), for chorus and orchestra • Commissioned by the Genesis Foundation. First performed in
Usher Hall,
Edinburgh, on 17 August 2019 by The Sixteen, the Genesis Sixteen chamber choir, and
Scottish Chamber Orchestra conducted by Harry Christophers. •
Vidi Aquam (2020), for a cappella 40 part choir • Commissioned by Ora Singers as a companion
motet for
Spem in Alium by
Thomas Tallis. •
Let us love one another (2021), for SSA and organ • Commissioned by
Mayfield School on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. Dedicated to Matthew Ward. First performed on 18 June 2022 by the Schola Cantorum of Mayfield School. •
Christmas Oratorio • First performed at the
Concertgebouw Amsterdam on 16 January 2021 by the Netherlands
Radio Filharmonisch Orkest and
Groot Omroepkoor. • Mass of St Edward the Confessor (2022) • First performed at Westminster Abbey, 29 June 2022. •
Who shall separate us? for an eight-part choir a cappella S.S.A.A.T.T.B.B. • Composed for and performed during the funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey on 19 September 2022 •
Timotheus, Bacchus and Cecilia, for chorus, semichorus, children's choir and orchestra (2022) • Commissioned jointly by the Hallé and Cincinnati Symphony orchestras, completed in 2022, and given its world premiere in Cincinnati in May 2023 by the May Festival Chorus, May Festival Youth Chorus, and
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by
Juanjo Mena, and European and London premieres between May and July 2024 by the
Hallé Choir, the Hallé Youth Choir, the Hallé Children's Choir, and
The Hallé conducted by
Sir Mark Elder ==Chamber==