Welcome to our Spotlight series, a place for our Member Publishers to connect with our License Holders, share new works, and offer updates on their catalogs. Interested in reading more from our Spotlight series? Visit this link!

This month we spotlight Willow Publishing.

Willow Publishing: Pioneering Sacred Music in Australia

Katie: We are thrilled to be able to spotlight Willow Publishing this month! I’d love to hear how Willow began and how you’ve grown over the years.

Monica: What began with two friends and a mere $50 between them has blossomed into Australia’s premier sacred music publisher. Founded in the 1980s by Trish Watts and Monica O’Brien, the company has consistently championed the creation and distribution of contemporary sacred music that resonates with modern congregations and communities.

The company’s flagship publication, “As One Voice,” has established itself as an essential hymnal series, providing a comprehensive collection of music suitable for general assembly, teenagers, and children. This suite of publications has become a cornerstone resource for religious communities throughout Australia and beyond.

K:  What areas of ministry can be supported by your music? What denominations or groups look to you for music? Are there ecumenical options for interfaith communities?

M: While honouring traditional sacred music, Willow Publishing actively advocates for a diverse repertoire that includes newly composed works alongside historical hymns. The company recognizes a critical need to move beyond what they call a “repertoire time warp,” where many churches primarily rely on music composed before the year 2000. Their vision embraces sacred music in all its forms, encouraging the creation of new works that speak to today’s congregations.

“Our mission is to publish a wide range of quality music and resources in digital formats that support, encourage and educate parishes, schools, organisations and individuals. Our community of customers, composers, writers and publishing partners fuel everything we do,” states the company’s mission statement, emphasizing their commitment to serving diverse religious communities.

K: What can our License Holders look forward to from you in the year to come? Any other projects you would like our users to know about?

In celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope, Willow Publishing is set to release their latest collection in February 2025, titled PILGRIMS OF HOPE, Music for Parishes & Schools. This innovative compilation features ten original pieces from both established and emerging Australian songwriters. The collection is suitable for various liturgical denominations, with two pieces specifically composed for children’s and youth ministries.

To celebrate the Jubilee Year, click below to hear a sample of 10 tracks from the newly released collection.

Through decades of publishing, music workshops, concerts, and retreats, Willow Publishing continues to nurture the spiritual life of communities across the region through sacred music. Their dedication to supporting Australian composers and enriching worship through music remains at the heart of their ministry.

K: What top titles would you encourage our License Holders to bring to their congregations?

Here are some recommended titles – written in 2024 & 2025!

A note for our License Holders: Please click on the titles below to access the database entry for quick and easy reporting. 

Fan The Flame Of Hope
Music: Michael Harvey. Lyrics: Monica O’Brien. 

Hope In Love
Lauren Bierer, Kallie Deegan, Timothy Hart, Danielle Anne Lynch, Trisha Watts.

Here At The Table 
Music: Michael Harvey. Lyrics: Gina Ogilvie.

To The Table We Are Called 
Music: Michael Harvey. Lyrics: Monica O’Brien.

All the Hungry, Come
Beth Doherty.

Be Hope!
Music: Gen Bryant. Lyrics: Gen Bryant, Steph Jorna, Geoffrey Madden, Brigid McNally.

Hope Is Alive 
Music: Gen Bryant & Ashen Warnakulasooriya. Lyrics: Gen Bryant

Photo copyright: Photo by Pixabay. Available for download at pexels.com.