David Rain - Choral Composer
@davidraincomposer.bsky.social
After working 40 yrs in international development & support for newcomers to Canada, I have written 35 songs for choirs & I blog about humanitarian Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova (1909-1990).
https://davidrainchoralcomposer.ca/
https://lotta56sparks.ca/
https://davidrainchoralcomposer.ca/
https://lotta56sparks.ca/
Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating! And if you’d like a change of pace from all my Xmas carols I’ve been posting recently, have a listen to this song by the Berliner Blockflöten Orchester -- if you’ve ever played the recorder before, I think you might enjoy it. 😊
youtu.be/EWEe7RCTJ9Y
youtu.be/EWEe7RCTJ9Y
Praetorius: Es ist ein Ros entsprungen | Berliner Blockflöten Orchester
YouTube video by Berliner Blockflöten Orchester | Simon Borutzki
youtu.be
December 25, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating! And if you’d like a change of pace from all my Xmas carols I’ve been posting recently, have a listen to this song by the Berliner Blockflöten Orchester -- if you’ve ever played the recorder before, I think you might enjoy it. 😊
youtu.be/EWEe7RCTJ9Y
youtu.be/EWEe7RCTJ9Y
5/19 – Just released – “Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen.” Kari Turunen leads the Vancouver Chamber Choir in a live performance of this classic German Xmas carol, which I dedicated to my high school friend Robert Linsley (1952-2017) who died tragically while I was arranging this.
youtu.be/fp0eGwR8w5E
youtu.be/fp0eGwR8w5E
Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen - Vancouver Chamber Choir - David Rain
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
December 23, 2025 at 2:25 PM
5/19 – Just released – “Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen.” Kari Turunen leads the Vancouver Chamber Choir in a live performance of this classic German Xmas carol, which I dedicated to my high school friend Robert Linsley (1952-2017) who died tragically while I was arranging this.
youtu.be/fp0eGwR8w5E
youtu.be/fp0eGwR8w5E
4/19 – Just released for Winter Solstice – World Premiere – “Rex Pacificus” – the Vancouver Chamber Choir sure had fun with this one – what I like to call my "rock and roll" Xmas carol 😊 – with Middle English and Latin lyrics.
youtu.be/TyO7VMlG7vs
youtu.be/TyO7VMlG7vs
Rex Pacificus - David Rain - Vancouver Chamber Choir
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
December 21, 2025 at 9:58 PM
4/19 – Just released for Winter Solstice – World Premiere – “Rex Pacificus” – the Vancouver Chamber Choir sure had fun with this one – what I like to call my "rock and roll" Xmas carol 😊 – with Middle English and Latin lyrics.
youtu.be/TyO7VMlG7vs
youtu.be/TyO7VMlG7vs
3/19 – Just released, a medieval Xmas carol, with some beautiful solos, duets and trios! Kari Turunen leads the Vancouver Chamber Choir in a Nov 28 performance of “In natali Domini.” My arrangement has an alto/tenor intro, a mini-fugue in the third verse, and a rousing ending.
youtu.be/yA77WbQFN-g
youtu.be/yA77WbQFN-g
In natali Domini - Vancouver Chamber Choir - David Rain
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
December 19, 2025 at 3:34 PM
3/19 – Just released, a medieval Xmas carol, with some beautiful solos, duets and trios! Kari Turunen leads the Vancouver Chamber Choir in a Nov 28 performance of “In natali Domini.” My arrangement has an alto/tenor intro, a mini-fugue in the third verse, and a rousing ending.
youtu.be/yA77WbQFN-g
youtu.be/yA77WbQFN-g
On the occasion of his 255th birthday, here's a special song to remember our beloved Beethoven by: "Heiliger Dankgesang."
youtu.be/tKwKwWyEy_4
youtu.be/tKwKwWyEy_4
Beethoven/David Rain: "Heiliger Dankgesang"
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
December 16, 2025 at 4:22 PM
On the occasion of his 255th birthday, here's a special song to remember our beloved Beethoven by: "Heiliger Dankgesang."
youtu.be/tKwKwWyEy_4
youtu.be/tKwKwWyEy_4
Kari Turunen leads the #VancouverChamberChoir in the Nov 28 Canadian premiere of a radically different version of “Good King Wenceslas.”
#vancouver #choir #memorialconcert #lateinlife #canadian #acappella #choral #music #composer #newmusic #premiere #christmas #carol
youtu.be/ubwvGvdvH6U
#vancouver #choir #memorialconcert #lateinlife #canadian #acappella #choral #music #composer #newmusic #premiere #christmas #carol
youtu.be/ubwvGvdvH6U
Vancouver Chamber Choir sings "Good King Wenceslas" by David Rain
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
December 12, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Kari Turunen leads the #VancouverChamberChoir in the Nov 28 Canadian premiere of a radically different version of “Good King Wenceslas.”
#vancouver #choir #memorialconcert #lateinlife #canadian #acappella #choral #music #composer #newmusic #premiere #christmas #carol
youtu.be/ubwvGvdvH6U
#vancouver #choir #memorialconcert #lateinlife #canadian #acappella #choral #music #composer #newmusic #premiere #christmas #carol
youtu.be/ubwvGvdvH6U
Kari Turunen leads the Vancouver Chamber Choir in the Nov 28 premiere of Psalm 23 ("The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want").
#vancouverchamberchoir #vancouver #choir #memorialconcert #lateinlife #canadian #acappella #choral #music #composer #newmusic #worldpremiere
youtu.be/A0EgSmY29s0
#vancouverchamberchoir #vancouver #choir #memorialconcert #lateinlife #canadian #acappella #choral #music #composer #newmusic #worldpremiere
youtu.be/A0EgSmY29s0
Vancouver Chamber Choir sings "Psalm 23" by David Rain
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
December 7, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Kari Turunen leads the Vancouver Chamber Choir in the Nov 28 premiere of Psalm 23 ("The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want").
#vancouverchamberchoir #vancouver #choir #memorialconcert #lateinlife #canadian #acappella #choral #music #composer #newmusic #worldpremiere
youtu.be/A0EgSmY29s0
#vancouverchamberchoir #vancouver #choir #memorialconcert #lateinlife #canadian #acappella #choral #music #composer #newmusic #worldpremiere
youtu.be/A0EgSmY29s0
Kari Turunen rehearsing Vancouver Chamber Choir before the recent memorial concert for my Uncle Duncan.
Rehearsals are where the real magic of choral music first emerges. To witness that magic, watching a true “magician” at work, it’s one of the greatest thrills a composer can ever experience.
Rehearsals are where the real magic of choral music first emerges. To witness that magic, watching a true “magician” at work, it’s one of the greatest thrills a composer can ever experience.
November 30, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Kari Turunen rehearsing Vancouver Chamber Choir before the recent memorial concert for my Uncle Duncan.
Rehearsals are where the real magic of choral music first emerges. To witness that magic, watching a true “magician” at work, it’s one of the greatest thrills a composer can ever experience.
Rehearsals are where the real magic of choral music first emerges. To witness that magic, watching a true “magician” at work, it’s one of the greatest thrills a composer can ever experience.
Sneak preview #1: “Good King Wenceslas.” This is the first in a series of previews of my songs that will be performed on Friday November 28th, at the Vancouver memorial concert for my dear Uncle Duncan.
#vancouverchamberchoir #vancouver #concert #memorial #canadian #choral #composer #premiere
#vancouverchamberchoir #vancouver #concert #memorial #canadian #choral #composer #premiere
November 21, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Sneak preview #1: “Good King Wenceslas.” This is the first in a series of previews of my songs that will be performed on Friday November 28th, at the Vancouver memorial concert for my dear Uncle Duncan.
#vancouverchamberchoir #vancouver #concert #memorial #canadian #choral #composer #premiere
#vancouverchamberchoir #vancouver #concert #memorial #canadian #choral #composer #premiere
#VancouverChamberChoir will be singing a Nov 28 memorial concert for my dear Uncle Duncan.
If you know someone who might like to attend, pls let them know. It's VERY special, 15 of my songs will be world premieres!
For more info and tickets:
vancouverchamberchoir.vbotickets.com/event/memori...
If you know someone who might like to attend, pls let them know. It's VERY special, 15 of my songs will be world premieres!
For more info and tickets:
vancouverchamberchoir.vbotickets.com/event/memori...
November 15, 2025 at 2:26 PM
#VancouverChamberChoir will be singing a Nov 28 memorial concert for my dear Uncle Duncan.
If you know someone who might like to attend, pls let them know. It's VERY special, 15 of my songs will be world premieres!
For more info and tickets:
vancouverchamberchoir.vbotickets.com/event/memori...
If you know someone who might like to attend, pls let them know. It's VERY special, 15 of my songs will be world premieres!
For more info and tickets:
vancouverchamberchoir.vbotickets.com/event/memori...
Today is #RemembranceDay here in Canada, and my thoughts turn towards my beloved grandfather who served on the front lines in World War I.
My thoughts also turn towards the death and destruction caused by wars throughout our human history.
Oh, for a world without war….
youtu.be/8Fw7AztSFRo
My thoughts also turn towards the death and destruction caused by wars throughout our human history.
Oh, for a world without war….
youtu.be/8Fw7AztSFRo
David Rain: "Peace must be the answer!"
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
November 11, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Today is #RemembranceDay here in Canada, and my thoughts turn towards my beloved grandfather who served on the front lines in World War I.
My thoughts also turn towards the death and destruction caused by wars throughout our human history.
Oh, for a world without war….
youtu.be/8Fw7AztSFRo
My thoughts also turn towards the death and destruction caused by wars throughout our human history.
Oh, for a world without war….
youtu.be/8Fw7AztSFRo
Tomorrow is #RemembranceDay in Canada. I think of my grandfather, Jimmy Rain, to whom this song is dedicated.
He started life in Glasgow, came with his family to Winnipeg, was shipped back to Europe to serve as a runner in
WWI, and was haunted by that experience.
Pacem.
youtu.be/CiTQTmUddl0
He started life in Glasgow, came with his family to Winnipeg, was shipped back to Europe to serve as a runner in
WWI, and was haunted by that experience.
Pacem.
youtu.be/CiTQTmUddl0
A Cry for Peace: "In Flanders Fields"
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Tomorrow is #RemembranceDay in Canada. I think of my grandfather, Jimmy Rain, to whom this song is dedicated.
He started life in Glasgow, came with his family to Winnipeg, was shipped back to Europe to serve as a runner in
WWI, and was haunted by that experience.
Pacem.
youtu.be/CiTQTmUddl0
He started life in Glasgow, came with his family to Winnipeg, was shipped back to Europe to serve as a runner in
WWI, and was haunted by that experience.
Pacem.
youtu.be/CiTQTmUddl0
Lotta Hitschmanova, 1969: “Scientists tell us there is no longer any excuse for human starvation, yet 2/3 of mankind remain hungry, while the world spends 150 billion dollars a year on armaments.”
lotta56sparks.ca/cuts-to-2025...
lotta56sparks.ca/cuts-to-2025...
Cuts to 2025 Foreign Aid budget – what would Lotta say?
“Scientists tell us there is no longer any excuse for human starvation, yet 2/3 of mankind remain hungry, while the world spends 150 billion dollars a year on armaments.” [Lotta Hitschm…
lotta56sparks.ca
November 6, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Lotta Hitschmanova, 1969: “Scientists tell us there is no longer any excuse for human starvation, yet 2/3 of mankind remain hungry, while the world spends 150 billion dollars a year on armaments.”
lotta56sparks.ca/cuts-to-2025...
lotta56sparks.ca/cuts-to-2025...
My final day in Denver, I had a “debt” to pay. I ran a "make up" 5km race along beautiful Cherry Creek Pathway.
A big thank you to everyone who's donated to support NCFST summer camps for indigenous kids, we’ve raised $436 so far!
Donations still gratefully accepted:
raceroster.com/events/2025/...
A big thank you to everyone who's donated to support NCFST summer camps for indigenous kids, we’ve raised $436 so far!
Donations still gratefully accepted:
raceroster.com/events/2025/...
October 21, 2025 at 5:42 PM
My final day in Denver, I had a “debt” to pay. I ran a "make up" 5km race along beautiful Cherry Creek Pathway.
A big thank you to everyone who's donated to support NCFST summer camps for indigenous kids, we’ve raised $436 so far!
Donations still gratefully accepted:
raceroster.com/events/2025/...
A big thank you to everyone who's donated to support NCFST summer camps for indigenous kids, we’ve raised $436 so far!
Donations still gratefully accepted:
raceroster.com/events/2025/...
A thrill of a lifetime last nite – hearing Tom Morgan and his Ars Nova Singers – in a spectacular live performance of my a cappella arrangement – of Gustav Mahler’s song "Ging heut' morgen über's Feld.”
And the rest of the concert was pure gold too – special guests Voces8 sang their hearts out.
And the rest of the concert was pure gold too – special guests Voces8 sang their hearts out.
October 19, 2025 at 3:54 PM
A thrill of a lifetime last nite – hearing Tom Morgan and his Ars Nova Singers – in a spectacular live performance of my a cappella arrangement – of Gustav Mahler’s song "Ging heut' morgen über's Feld.”
And the rest of the concert was pure gold too – special guests Voces8 sang their hearts out.
And the rest of the concert was pure gold too – special guests Voces8 sang their hearts out.
Central Presbyterian Church, Denver. Tonite’s the nite – the acclaimed Voces8 joins the Ars Nova Singers – to help them celebrate their 40th anniversary in song – with a brand new Gustav Mahler a cappella arrangement by a Canadian composer as a tasty “appetizer.” 😊 Be there or be square!
October 18, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Central Presbyterian Church, Denver. Tonite’s the nite – the acclaimed Voces8 joins the Ars Nova Singers – to help them celebrate their 40th anniversary in song – with a brand new Gustav Mahler a cappella arrangement by a Canadian composer as a tasty “appetizer.” 😊 Be there or be square!
Here’s a song for #WorldFoodDay -- dedicated to my 3 #Biodiversity mentors -- Melaku Worede, John Martin and Awegechew Teshome.
“Bless the fruits and bless the greens. Bless the tubers and bless the beans. Bless the beauty of the genes, that were worked by human hands.”
youtu.be/1cJZs6AtfNQ
“Bless the fruits and bless the greens. Bless the tubers and bless the beans. Bless the beauty of the genes, that were worked by human hands.”
youtu.be/1cJZs6AtfNQ
David Rain: "A Hymn to Biodiversity"
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
October 16, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Here’s a song for #WorldFoodDay -- dedicated to my 3 #Biodiversity mentors -- Melaku Worede, John Martin and Awegechew Teshome.
“Bless the fruits and bless the greens. Bless the tubers and bless the beans. Bless the beauty of the genes, that were worked by human hands.”
youtu.be/1cJZs6AtfNQ
“Bless the fruits and bless the greens. Bless the tubers and bless the beans. Bless the beauty of the genes, that were worked by human hands.”
youtu.be/1cJZs6AtfNQ
A very Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who is celebrating today. Though our world remains a troubled place, there is still so much to be thankful for. May we each find a loving spirit like Red Wagon to embrace us and guide us on our life's journey.
October 13, 2025 at 12:23 PM
A very Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who is celebrating today. Though our world remains a troubled place, there is still so much to be thankful for. May we each find a loving spirit like Red Wagon to embrace us and guide us on our life's journey.
Amazing news – my choral arrangement of Gustav Mahler’s beautiful song -- "Ging heut' morgen über's Feld" -- has had its world premiere in Boulder, Colorado!
I am so grateful to Tom Morgan and his wonderful @arsnovasingers.bsky.social for giving birth to this challenging a cappella arrangement.
I am so grateful to Tom Morgan and his wonderful @arsnovasingers.bsky.social for giving birth to this challenging a cappella arrangement.
October 9, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Amazing news – my choral arrangement of Gustav Mahler’s beautiful song -- "Ging heut' morgen über's Feld" -- has had its world premiere in Boulder, Colorado!
I am so grateful to Tom Morgan and his wonderful @arsnovasingers.bsky.social for giving birth to this challenging a cappella arrangement.
I am so grateful to Tom Morgan and his wonderful @arsnovasingers.bsky.social for giving birth to this challenging a cappella arrangement.
It's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada -- and if you haven't heard Willie Dunn's 1968 song video before -- "The Ballad of Crowfoot" -- perhaps have a listen today -- it won't leave you unmoved.
youtu.be/l-32jc58bgI
youtu.be/l-32jc58bgI
THE BALLAD OF CROWFOOT | Full Documentary | National Film Board of Canada
YouTube video by NFB
youtu.be
September 30, 2025 at 10:29 AM
It's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada -- and if you haven't heard Willie Dunn's 1968 song video before -- "The Ballad of Crowfoot" -- perhaps have a listen today -- it won't leave you unmoved.
youtu.be/l-32jc58bgI
youtu.be/l-32jc58bgI
Well, this is cool -- 32 of my songs have now had 1000+ viewings on Youtube. Never in a million years did I think this would be one of the results of my "late in life" choral composing project. Thanks to everyone who has had a listen!
#canadian #acappella #choral #composer
youtu.be/XOnLWk2nW0M?...
#canadian #acappella #choral #composer
youtu.be/XOnLWk2nW0M?...
Lulajże Jezuniu - Young Cathedral Voices - Uppsala, Sweden - Dec 13 2024 - arranged by David Rain
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
September 28, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Well, this is cool -- 32 of my songs have now had 1000+ viewings on Youtube. Never in a million years did I think this would be one of the results of my "late in life" choral composing project. Thanks to everyone who has had a listen!
#canadian #acappella #choral #composer
youtu.be/XOnLWk2nW0M?...
#canadian #acappella #choral #composer
youtu.be/XOnLWk2nW0M?...
A song for #WorldPeaceDay: "Lay down your guns, please no war, let's work for Peace!"
youtu.be/8Fw7AztSFRo
youtu.be/8Fw7AztSFRo
David Rain: "Peace must be the answer!"
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
September 21, 2025 at 10:57 AM
A song for #WorldPeaceDay: "Lay down your guns, please no war, let's work for Peace!"
youtu.be/8Fw7AztSFRo
youtu.be/8Fw7AztSFRo
23 months of death & destruction in #Gaza intensifies with no end in sight. In 1950s to 1970s, a #Jewish refugee to #Canada inspired thousands to support #Palestinian refugees in Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon & Syria. Here is her story, & she still cries out for #Peace! lotta56sparks.ca/lotta-hitsch...
Lotta Hitschmanova and the Middle East: a Voice from the Past cries out for Peace
From the 1940s to the 1970s, Lotta Hitschmanova was perhaps the most famous Canadian woman. And yet, few today are aware of her personal story — that she was a Jewish refugee to Canada who in…
lotta56sparks.ca
September 7, 2025 at 4:16 PM
23 months of death & destruction in #Gaza intensifies with no end in sight. In 1950s to 1970s, a #Jewish refugee to #Canada inspired thousands to support #Palestinian refugees in Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon & Syria. Here is her story, & she still cries out for #Peace! lotta56sparks.ca/lotta-hitsch...
On Sept 4, 1843, Victor Hugo’s daughter Léopoldine died in a tragic boating accident. Hugo fell into a deep depression. Years later he wrote a poem, “Demain dès l'aube” that expresses his unfathomable grief, as he contemplates walking to her grave, “Tomorrow, at dawn.”
youtu.be/7Ati3UuZTH4?...
youtu.be/7Ati3UuZTH4?...
David Rain/Victor Hugo: "Demain, dès l'aube"
YouTube video by David Rain, Choral Composer
youtu.be
September 4, 2025 at 1:07 PM
On Sept 4, 1843, Victor Hugo’s daughter Léopoldine died in a tragic boating accident. Hugo fell into a deep depression. Years later he wrote a poem, “Demain dès l'aube” that expresses his unfathomable grief, as he contemplates walking to her grave, “Tomorrow, at dawn.”
youtu.be/7Ati3UuZTH4?...
youtu.be/7Ati3UuZTH4?...
Are you looking for a nice German carol for your choir to sing this Xmas? My medieval-modern setting of “Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen” is published on MusicSpoke, where you can view the score, and also listen to the world premiere recording by the Stairwell Carollers.
musicspoke.com/downloads/es...
musicspoke.com/downloads/es...
Es ist ein Ros entsprungen| David Rain | MusicSpoke
David Rain's arrangement of this timeless German Christmas carol for unaccompanied mixed choir.
musicspoke.com
August 16, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Are you looking for a nice German carol for your choir to sing this Xmas? My medieval-modern setting of “Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen” is published on MusicSpoke, where you can view the score, and also listen to the world premiere recording by the Stairwell Carollers.
musicspoke.com/downloads/es...
musicspoke.com/downloads/es...