Welcome to the music of Bill Monaghan. Many of Bill's compositions are inspired by Scripture and used in Liturgy and for Praise and Worship, spanning many of the Psalms and covering many genres, including Celtic, Reggae, Rock, Pop, Folk, African, Gospel, Ballad. Some of Bill's secular crossover compositions include the Irish Wedding March and Irish Blessing. All of Bill's musical settings are original.
Most of Bill's compositions were a direct result of Bill's work with Youth and Teen Ministry in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA) Archdiocese since 1994. Ever inventive, Bill would search for new ways to compel the youth to become involved musically in their faith, often creating refrains to common Psalms on the spot with a contemporary style that made sense to the teens, youth, families, and congregations in attendance.
Perhaps Bill's most sweeping work is his full length musical play entitled The Word: A Gospel Opera. The story of Jesus comes alive with a vibrant and varied score written for a cast of 20-25 young people. Great for families, retreats, fund raising events (like World Youth Day), The Word has been performed more than 70 times, transforming audiences and cast alike. Some of the songs from The Word featured as sheet music compositions are "Taste and See," "Lullabye," and "Blessed and Happy," the Beatitudes in sign language.
Some examples of Bill's high energy music conducive to audience participation include "Taste and See the Sweet Love of God," "The Lord is My Light (Psalm 27)," "Let Us Go Rejoicing (Psalm 22)", "Alleluia,""The Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)," "Profession of Faith," "Who is this King of Glory? (Psalm 24)," to name a few. Reflective and Meditative pieces include "Our Eyes are Fixed on the Lord (Psalm 123)," and "Let My Tongue Be Silenced (Psalm 137)." Some special songs include "Lullaby Just Close Your Eyes," which is a nice meditation song about Mary holding Jesus in her arms at the foot of the cross; "Irish Blessing" which of course is great for St. Patrick's Day or any Celtic/Irish flavored musical event; "Ave Maria," Bill's fresh new composition for Soprano and Alto in nice harmony and features the entire Latin prayer in a medium length song.
We hope you enjoy the music of Bill Monaghan! For more info, inquire at info@monaghanmusic.com