There are times where it is difficult to know how to respond to tragedy.
On the evening of Ash Wednesday, composer John Rutter heard Valentin Silvestrov’s choral setting of the following text, “Good Lord, protect Ukraine. Give her strength, courage, faith, hope. Amen.” He decided to use his talents to compose his own setting of the anonymous text to respond to the tragedy unfolding and show support for the people of Ukraine.
Mr. Rutter then thought of his friend, Philip Brunelle, and decided to share his musical offering across the ocean. Philip and members of the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers recorded the piece on Thursday, March 10, 2022.
Click the button below to listen and watch Mr. Rutter talk about his inspiration for the piece along with a performance of the piece at St. Mary Magdalene Church.