In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the premiere of the original version of Stella Nuova for Chorus and Orchestra, I have created an acapella version for chamber choir (or vocal quartet) with a larger chorus. This is suitable for advanced high school choirs, college choirs, or professional groups alike.

The original program notes and Garth Bardley’s brilliant words are below:

Based on a 15th century Italian Lauda for the Christmas season, Stella Nuova is a short, flashy celebratory piece for SATB Choir and Orchestra. Garth Bardsley has supplemented the original 15th century Italian text with beautiful words of hope and reflection.

Stella nuova ‘n fra la gente (O New Star among mankind)
k’aparuisti novamente! (You appeared once again!)
Stella k’aparuisti al mundo (Star, you appeared to the world)
quando nacque ‘l re iocondo, (when the joyful king, who was born)
stett’en mezzo a tutto ‘l mondo (came into the midst of all the world)
per aluminar la gente. (to enlighten all people.)

Stella nuova ‘n fra la gente
k’aparuisti novamente!

Look to the sky, for there in the distance
Light, unimagined, steals through the night.
Piercing the gloom, its flame everlasting
Hails new beginnings, our hearts to delight.

Stella nuova ‘n fra la gente
 k’aparuisti novamente!
Peace, hope and joy will lighten our journey
Precious and pure, these gifts lie within
Look to your heart where heav’n’s light is shining
Then may the world see a new day begin.

Stella nuova ‘n fra la gente
 k’aparuisti novamente!
Stella k’aparuisti al mundo 
quando nacque ‘l re iocondo,
stett’en mezzo a tutto ‘l mondo
per aluminar la gente.

Gaze upon your heart and see
The truth therein will set you free

Stella nuova ‘n fra la gente
 k’aparuisti novamente!