Planning Easter services can be a challenge, but finding the right music doesn’t have to be! At J.W. Pepper, we’re here to help with 10 BRAND-NEW Editors’ Choice anthems for adult choirs, handpicked for Easter 2025. Our editors work tirelessly (yes, we let them out for fresh air!) to sort through thousands of submissions every year, selecting only the best pieces guaranteed to inspire your choir and congregation. With styles ranging from traditional and liturgical to modern and contemporary, these anthems bring the joy of the risen Christ to life.
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
arr. Brad Nix – Lorenz Corporation
Here is the perfect opener for Easter morning! Written in a concertato style, this anthem combines the traditional Charles Wesley text with the hymn tune HYFRYDOL. Your congregation has the opportunity to sing with the choir as a soaring descant leads to a thrilling conclusion. The optional brass and timpani add an extra layer of grandeur.
Starts at 1:19
Christ Is Alive!
arr. Hal Hopson – Jubilate Music Group
The music of German composer Melchior Vulpius is brought to life in this vibrant setting. The homophonic structure and well-crafted vocal scoring make this an easily prepared choice. The flexible performance options with brass and voices give an antiphonal element that makes this a creative Easter introit.
Starts at 2:03
This Joyful Eastertide
arr. Anna Laura Page – Celebrating Grace, Inc
This majestic setting of the traditional hymn is full of life and energy. A compelling organ accompaniment supports the choral voices. A key change provides lift for the second stanza and chorus, and the piece ends triumphantly. Also available: Score and parts for B-flat trumpets 1 & 2, trombones 1 & 2, horn in F (substitute for trombone 1), optional tuba, percussion, timpani, and organ.
Starts at 2:45
Because He Lives
Bill & Gloria Gaither/arr. Joseph M. Martin – Shawnee Press
One of the most beloved modern hymns is set soaring in this dynamic arrangement! This glorious testimony of faith is sure to become a favorite with your congregation and choir.
Starts at 3:30
Behold the Lord of Love
Pepper Choplin- Hope Publishing Company
This is a celebration of Christ’s love appropriate before, during, or after Easter. In the final section the congregation joins in singing a verse of Crown Him with Many Crowns. Instrumental parts are available separately.
Starts at 4:21
Risen Indeed!
Victor C. Johnson – Lorenz Corporation
This original a cappella spiritual shows off the brilliance of the composer. The call-and-response section between choir and soloist, the rollicking ostinato featured in the final pages, and the irresistible rhythmic vitality of the choral writing all contribute to a winning anthem that expresses the joy believers share on Easter morning.
Starts at 5:09
Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia
arr. Nathan Zullinger – Augsburg Publishing
A joy to sing, this uplifting choral setting of the popular Tanzanian Easter hymn features light, buoyant choral writing in the character of a madrigal. Imitative melismatic motives, gentle percussive sounds, and rhythmic playfulness are woven together and lead to a climactic final stanza.
Starts at 5:56
Cross Medley
arr. David Wise – Medallion Music
Three hymns of the cross are married together in this stellar medley. From the delicate Near the Cross to the meditative At the Cross and the jubilance of The Old Rugged Cross, this fantastic medley is a superb programming option for Easter celebrations.
Starts at 6:40
Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
arr. Jeffrey Honoré – OCP
This exciting setting of GAUDEAMUS PARITER is an excellent choice for smaller, skilled choirs with a strong men’s section. The festive percussion part, hand drum, wood block, and triangle complement the dance-like meter of the hymn tune. The flute part adds energy to the organ accompaniment. For use throughout the Easter season.
Starts at 7:23
Risen Forever
Dave Clark & Cliff Duren/arr. Cliff Duren – Lillenas Publishing Co
Celebrate the resurrection with this upbeat anthem as it joyfully proclaims “He is risen, He’s alive forevermore!” Perfect for Easter worship, it will energize your choir and congregation, bringing everyone together in praise of our risen Savior.
Starts at 8:09
