If you are looking for a piece that captivates audiences and challenges your singers in rewarding ways, Sleep by Eric Whitacre’s is well worth considering for your next choral concert. Since its premiere, Sleep has become one of the most widely performed and beloved works in contemporary choral literature. Here are three compelling reasons to add this atmospheric piece to your program.
1. It Develops Ensemble Sensitivity and Control
Whitacre’s music requires a high level of musical awareness, and Sleep is no exception. With its lush harmonies, slow tempo, and shimmering dissonances, the piece challenges choirs to listen carefully, breathe together, and sustain a beautiful tone across long phrases.
As a result, it becomes an excellent tool for developing blend, vowel matching, dynamic control, and overall ensemble sensitivity. These are skills that will strengthen your choir far beyond this single work.
2. It Creates a Powerful Emotional Moment in a Concert Program
Sleep is memorable not because it is flashy, but because it is emotionally resonant. The haunting text and meditative harmonic language create a sense of stillness that can bring real depth and contrast to a concert program.
Because of this, the piece works beautifully as a centerpiece, a closing selection, or a reflective moment alongside brighter or more rhythmically driven repertoire. For many audiences, Sleep leaves a lasting impression and offers a rare moment of calm, beauty, and emotional connection.
3. It Connects Singers to Iconic Contemporary Choral Repertoire
Programming Sleep gives singers the opportunity to engage with one of the most recognizable works in contemporary choral music. For students in particular, this can be a meaningful way to connect with the sound world of modern choral repertoire while developing greater confidence with cluster chords, textural writing, and expressive phrasing.
In addition, the piece can spark valuable discussions about text setting, harmonic colour, and the evolution of choral music in recent decades. It is a wonderful way to deepen your ensemble’s musical understanding while introducing a work that many singers find deeply rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Eric Whitacre’s Sleep is more than just a concert piece. It is an experience that invites singers and listeners into a rich, reflective sound world.
Whether you are looking to challenge your ensemble, add emotional depth to your program, or introduce singers to a staple of contemporary choral literature, Sleep is a thoughtful and impactful choice.
If you are preparing this work with your choir, be sure to explore my YouTube playlist of rehearsal tracks to help singers learn their parts and practise with more confidence.
If you are looking for more choir resources to support your rehearsals and teaching, be sure to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store for additional music activities, assignments, and printables.
Additionally, if you are planning an upcoming performance, you may also enjoy reading How to Plan a Choir Concert for more ideas on building a thoughtful and engaging choral concert program.
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