Prayer by Morten Lauridsen

Herriman High Chamber Singers performing "Prayer" by Morten Lauridsen under the direction of Austin Thorpe, with pianist Kristin Kerr, on May 23, 2017 at Libby Gardner Concert Hall.
Poem by Dana Gioia
Echo of the clocktower, footstep
in the alleyway, sweep
of the wind sifting the leaves.
Jeweller of the spiderweb, connoisseur
of autumn's opulence, blade of lightning
harvesting the sky.
Keeper of the small gate, choreographer
of entrances and exits, midnight
whisper traveling the wires.
Seducer, healer, deity or thief,
I will see you soon enough-
in the shadow of the rainfall,
in the brief violet darkening a sunset-
but until then I pray watch over him
as a mountain guards its covert ore
and the harsh falcon its flightless young.

[@MSterlingSF]

This is the very best performance by a high school choir that I have ever heard.

[@keitha.neubert3063]

I thought this was a music majors university group. Oh my!

[@fasola183]

Can’t believe they’re in high school, very good performance!

[@pjs9265]

Perfect, simply perfect. The full sound, for a smaller choir is amazing. The acoustics in this hall are brilliant. The choir's diction is beautiful. Thank you for a moving experience.

[@rcmiller510]

This is simply very good, as well-performed as any version on UA-cam. You should all be proud.

[@porgyenbes992]

I always listen to this whenever I have panic and anxiety attacks...especially on these times... It helps me on relief. Thanks you Mr Conductor and choir. Godbless you all

[@austinthorpe5183]

Dear Porgy En Bes, I am so grateful that this music can serve you in that way.

[@porgyenbes992]

Yes sir, I often got teary eyed when I started listening to some liturgical songs as well, and I am really glad that I bumped into your performance and indeed you are a great teacher sir, on the other hand it Inspires me to be more passionate as well towards my teaching in a school as a guitar ensemble teacher. And I love how you conduct vigorously sir such amazing to watch :) have a great day sir Godbless always

[@keitha.neubert3063]

This is my first listen of this song. The unison singing at the beginning has moved tears down my face and the women singing is so refined. Thank you for this experience.

[@austinthorpe5183]

Thank you, Keith.

[@aaronashcraft8016]

Another incredible piece from my favorite composer

[@oucutie1]

I think I know now. Bach will be music Director. Handel will be assistant Director and Lauridsen will be Director of
the choral departmental and conductor of various choral ensembles...........in heaven!

[@susanflakes6968]

He can certainly compose but there is no one like Ronald Shirey...and he is there now...doing what he did as a choral conductor what I heartfelt declare was with an excellence no one can touch. He was indeed "touched by God."

[@mygretchen2]

A beautiful Concert! Especially by a High School Choir!

[@austinthorpe5183]

Thank you so much.

[@donpkra]

ohhh wow how beautiful and moving this is

[@porgyenbes992]

I hear angels

[@Jimbowinch]

Beautiful!

[@wagneky]

Heart s tring pulled, I like your directing style a lot! I don't normally listen to choral work, this though the rich tones, and melody is a massage for the ear. Moreover, a great contemplation in thought.

[@jvphelan1]

Just lovely. Thank you.

[@austinthorpe5183]

John, thank you for your gracious comment.

[@yuehchopin]

sehr schöne Sendung

[@rcmiller510]

Nicely done.

[@stephenarendsechoralworksa745]

Exquisite!

[@austinthorpe5183]

Thank you!

[@janewasson4845]

Try his "O Magnum Mysterium" if you've never heard it.

[@belamoure]

Ned Rorem would appreciate it.

[@WBFbySteefen]

Sorry, but I cannot understand the words for the piano.

[@austinthorpe5183]

The text for the entire piece is in the video description.