Prayer of the Children Friday, June 10, 2016
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
Kurt Bestor’s emotional “Prayer of the Children” has become a standard in the choral literature, but started as a wordless melody in response to the civil war in Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. Eventually discovered and performed by Weston Noble and the Luther College Nordic Choir, it has been used for such special occasions as the annual 9/11 commemoration and a concert in memory of the Oklahoma City bombing. Bestor says, “I’m thankful everyday for the still, small place where this song came from. I go there often and am always soothed.”
We are happy to present this new arrangement by master composer Mark Hayes, which maintains the emotional impact of the original and incorporates a tasteful accompaniment for piano or orchestra – perfect for honor choirs or festivals!
Prayer of the Children arr. Mark Hayes
This moving anthem of hope has been embraced by choirs around the world for years. Lush choral writing and an inspired instrumentation treat the important piece with reverence and respect. At the very end, two measures sung in Croatian remind us that the prayer is intended for the whole world.
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About the Author:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.
