Eugene Monaghan has also written three substantial compositions for large chorus and orchestra. This area of composition grew out of his involvement as conductor of the Ratcliffe concert choir.

A Festival Te Deum was his first major work in this genre. It was
composed and received the first of three successful performances in 1975. It is notable for its exhilarating driving rhythms, contrasting moods, and sensitive melodic writing.

This was followed, two years later, by his Royal Jubilee Anthem Vivat Elizabeth! This was first performed, to critical acclaim, as part of the celebrations for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.

His third major composition, an ambitious setting of the Gloria. received a standing ovation at its first performance in 1984. Two large choirs and substantial orchestral forces produce a stunning aural impact which leave a memorable impression. Both the Festival Te Deum and the Gloria are being prepared for publication. 
  Watch this space!

Vivat Elizabeth! - Royal Jubilee Anthem

Vivat Elizabeth! is a musical setting of a prayer for the good estate of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It received its first performance in June, 1977 as part of the celebrations to mark Her Majesty's Silver Jubilee. In 2001, the work was revised to include the further twenty five years of Her Majesty's reign. A presentation copy was graciously accepted by her Majesty the Queen in 2002.

The enlarged reworking of the original prayer anthem, scored for mixed chorus and full orchestra is, in effect, a new composition. It is episodic in structure - a series of reflective prayers linked to passages more celebratory in style. The ten minute work is performed without a break.

Choral works of this type were very much a nineteenth century
phenomenon and there are some who say that they have but little musical relevance today: public taste has moved on. Indeed, the very title and subject of this anthem may itself even appear to be something of a cultural anachronism in contemporary Britain.

There is always the possibility that anything that proclaims a deep
religious faith, national pride or loyalty to the institutions of government may be perceived by cynical republicans as a sentimental and outmoded expression of national xenophobia. Admittedly, there is always a need for sensitivity and balance when attempting a work of this type. However, Vivat Elizabeth! simply an invitation to praise and thank Almighty God for his protection of our sovereign Queen Elizabeth and to pray for
her continued well-being.