Prayer of the Children by Kurt Bestor, Arr. by Andrea S. Klouse

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Prayer of the Children by Kurt Bestor, Arr. by Andrea S. Klouse

Croatian lyrics translation: Can you hear all the children’s prayers? Notes from the composer, Kurt Bestor: “Over the years, I’ve written many songs with melodies more memorable, lyrics more poetic, and harmonies richer. But none of my compositions has had the kind of reach and emotional effect of Prayer of the Children. Ironically, I never intended to publish the song at all. I wrote it out of frustration over the horrendous civil war and ethnic cleansing taking place in the former country of Yugoslavia.” Having lived in Yugoslavia in the late 1970’s, Bestor grew to love the people there and considered them friends. As he sank into hopelessness, watching his friends pitted against each other, Bestor began channeling these deep feelings into a wordless melody. Then little by little he added words…Can you hear? Can you feel?...thinking of the children on all sides of this war, feeling the same feelings of confusion and sadness. It was for them that he wrote this song. Prayer of the Children was later arranged for choir by Andrea Klouse of Puyallup, WA and has spread worldwide, having been performed by hundreds of choirs in honor of all children, everywhere – and for all people who need consolation during times of life’s trials.

Spectrum Choral Academy
Stephanie Charbonneau, Director
Julie Mandery, Accompanist

15th Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival Concert
Saturday, May 28, 2016, 3:00 PM
McCurdy Pavilion, Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, WA
www.fortwordenfestival.com