Two planets round in orbit
Hymns & Carols
chorus a cappella
work detail
instrumentation: SATB a cappella
completion date: december 2025
duration: 3 minutes
texts: On an original text by the composer
events
DARK/LIGHT: A FEAST OF CAROLS
Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia - Dominick DiOrio
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Chestnut Hill - Philadelphia, PA
December 12, 2026
2:00 pm
The Christmas story has always held both the isolation of a cold night far from home, and the hope that breaks through it. Showcasing the world premiere of Harold Burgmayer's In Thy Dark Streets Shineth, a meditation on the light that finds its way into even the darkest corners of our lives. It joins other new and recent works by composers Sarah Quartel, Saunder Choi, Ben Ponniah, Rex Isenberg, and others, alongside beloved choral chestnuts that trace the emotional range of the winter season. Featuring Timberdale Brass, organist Andy Kotylo, and pianist Ting Ting Wong. Two performances, 2pm and 5pm. More details and tickets here.
audio
Two planets round in orbit
commission and dedication
Commissioned for the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia 2025 Holiday Fundraiser and dedicated by Mark Hite in loving memory of his in-laws George and Joan Irwin, and in love and gratitude for their daughter Karen.
text
Two planets round in orbit
Two planets round in orbit Engaged in one great dance: The first, an earth most jolly, The second, still expanse. Alit with heaven’s fire Amid the stars’ advance, Their planets round in orbit Celestial, true romance.
Two forces yet in balance In captivating lure: The first, sheer gravitation, The second, heart most pure. Against life’s doubts and trials Their model shall endure. Their forces yet in balance, A center, grounding sure.
Two spirits ever shining In wondèrous sixth sense; They tended to their gardens And loved with no pretense. And even though they’ve left us, An aching loss immense… Their spirits live forever Through generations hence.
Copyright © 2025 Dominick DiOrio. All rights reserved.
information
events
DARK/LIGHT: A FEAST OF CAROLS
Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia - Dominick DiOrio
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Chestnut Hill - Philadelphia, PA
December 12, 2026
2:00 pm
The Christmas story has always held both the isolation of a cold night far from home, and the hope that breaks through it. Showcasing the world premiere of Harold Burgmayer's In Thy Dark Streets Shineth, a meditation on the light that finds its way into even the darkest corners of our lives. It joins other new and recent works by composers Sarah Quartel, Saunder Choi, Ben Ponniah, Rex Isenberg, and others, alongside beloved choral chestnuts that trace the emotional range of the winter season. Featuring Timberdale Brass, organist Andy Kotylo, and pianist Ting Ting Wong. Two performances, 2pm and 5pm. More details and tickets here.
audio
Two planets round in orbit
commission and dedication
Commissioned for the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia 2025 Holiday Fundraiser and dedicated by Mark Hite in loving memory of his in-laws George and Joan Irwin, and in love and gratitude for their daughter Karen.
text
Two planets round in orbit
Two planets round in orbit Engaged in one great dance: The first, an earth most jolly, The second, still expanse. Alit with heaven’s fire Amid the stars’ advance, Their planets round in orbit Celestial, true romance.
Two forces yet in balance In captivating lure: The first, sheer gravitation, The second, heart most pure. Against life’s doubts and trials Their model shall endure. Their forces yet in balance, A center, grounding sure.
Two spirits ever shining In wondèrous sixth sense; They tended to their gardens And loved with no pretense. And even though they’ve left us, An aching loss immense… Their spirits live forever Through generations hence.
Copyright © 2025 Dominick DiOrio. All rights reserved.
