There’s no better opportunity to practice all you’ve learned in singing lessons than in a choir. You can use choir rehearsals to work on proper vocal production and technique, while also learning to harmonize and sing with others. Joining a choir is more about just singing all your favorite songs. When you have a part in the music choir, you have the opportunity to expand your skill sets, perfect your range, and work on your stage presence.

Plus, sometimes choruses provide solo opportunities, which will help you gain audition experience, overcome performance anxiety, and showcase your hard work! You’ll be ready for center stage in no time. 

Need some choral inspiration? Whether you’re looking for a song to audition to or searching for some suggestions for your choir group to perform, we have you covered. We have rounded up some of our favorite and most powerful choir songs. Check out this list of over 50 of the best choir songs in every genre, from sacred hymns to Broadway hits. 

50+ Choir Songs From Every Genre

Large Choral Works

If you’re on the hunt for the best choir songs made for large ensembles, start with the following tunes. These choir songs have a part for everyone, from the bass-baritones to the mezzo-sopranos. You can’t go wrong with selections by famous composers, including George Frideric Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and, of course, Ludwig van Beethoven. 

• “Messiah” by George Frideric Handel    

• “Requiem in D Minor” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• “The Creation” by Joseph Haydn
• “Magnificat in D Major” by Johann Sebastian Bach
• “Stabat Mater” by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi
• “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff
• “Annelies” by James Whitbourn
• “Missa Solemnis” by Ludwig van Beethoven
• “Requiem” by Giuseppe Verdi
• “Symphony No. 8” by Gustav Mahler

Early Music Choir Songs

Going for a more traditional vibe? Skip the more current choir songs and instead turn to some of the most powerful choir songs from long ago. They may be old, but they certainly haven’t lost any of their charm. After all, there’s a reason they’ve stood the test of time. You’ll blow your audience away with pieces by the likes of Henry Purcell or William Bryd. 

• “Hear My Prayer, O Lord” by Henry Purcell 

• “Come Sweet Death” by Johann Sebastian Bach
• “Ave Maris Stella” by Guillaume Dufay
• “Ave Maria” by Josquin des Prez
• “Ave Verum Corpus” by William Byrd
• “Et in terra pax hominibus” by Antonio Vivaldi

Contemporary Choir Songs

For those who prefer a more current sound, don’t miss these contemporary, popular choir songs. Talented composers such as Eric Whitacre, Abbie Betinis, and Ola Gjeilo have created some incredible songs that you’ll find yourself humming all day long. 

• “Sleep” by Eric Whitacre       

• “Carmina mei cordis (Songs of my heart)” by Abbie Betinis
• “Evening Prayer” by Ola Gjeilo
• “O Nata Lux” by Morten Lauridsen
• “Ingrian Evenings” by Veljo Tormis
• “The Bridegroom” by John Tavener
• “Ubi Caritas” by Maurice Durufle

Gospel & Spiritual Choir Songs

While you may hear these powerful choir songs in church on Sunday, that doesn’t mean they weren’t made for the stage. Bring these gospel and spiritual choir songs to life when you introduce them to your choir group. Start your exploration with beautiful tunes like “My Lord, What a Mornin’” and “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel.”

• “Battle of Jericho” arranged by Moses Hogan     

• “Deep River” arranged by Andre Thomas
• “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel” arranged by Mark Hayes
• “Give Me Jesus” arranged by Mark Patterson
• “My Lord, What a Mornin'” arranged Harry T. Burleigh
• “Ride on King Jesus” arranged by Stacey V. Gibbs