Prayer of the Children - Kurt Bestor, arr. Andrea Klouse

Gondwana Singers is an SATB choir for singers aged 14-16, including boys with newly changed or changing voices. Singers has quickly established itself as an exciting addition to the Gondwana National Choral School.
This concert was filmed in January 2011 at Verbrugghen Hall at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney. This concert is the culmination of a two week National Choral School, which includes Gondwana's other choirs and offers an intensive two weeks of rehearsals, performances and workshops with the leading figures in Australian choral music.
www.gondwanachoirs.com.au/

[@piercecook1697]

It is heartbreaking to me how relevant this song has become again, and how really, it never lost its relevance.

[@ralph815]

wow.

[@ariesgirl9592]

My daughter was in honors choir and they sang this song so beautifully. It brought tears to my eyes then and still does now especially when I learned the story behind it. I just don't understand why some in this world find it so easy to hate. Hate is evil and wrong. No place for it in this world. None at all.

[@xan918]

We sang this song in 8th grade concert choir, and all I can think of when I listen to the words is that line from Les Mis on how, "They sang about tomorrow, and tomorrow never came."

[@deanfeldmeyer5890]

I think this beautiful and powerful song about the suffering of children is at its best when it is performed by "children." You did it beautifully. Thank you.

[@colebarton9816]

I am lucky enough to be able to perform this beautiful piece with my choir. My only problem is the high chance of me crying while singing it.

[@kirstenstuart3495]

+Cole Barton We're doing this at my winter concert next week. We had a rehearsal tonight, and like half of my choir including my director broke down. I love the bridge so much, it reminds me of Safe and Sound from Hunger Games.

[@shiannamariestentt]

Cole Barton I don’t blame you.

[@taruny1119]

MEEE SJSJSKKSLA

[@kamelhaj6850]

I still can't sing Billy Joel's song Lullabye. Its about him saying goodbye to his daughter after he and his wife broke up.

[@mollycouture8208]

I am so excited that my choir is learning this song.

[@alexcrum3042]

At my school we were singing this song when the shooting was going on at the sandy hook school...... We all broke into tears when we heard the news and we sang it again for the loss of all the children that were killed ..... This always gives me chills for remembering that ....

[@airikaerial]

And here we are again

[@ralph815]

here we are again. I have to sing this for my chorus concert in a few days

[@lakeshowbron4747]

We sang this way back in Spring 2012

[@susansparhawk3535]

Our choir had in our folder as we were learning it for an upcoming concert… then Columbine happens down the road from us. We took it to sing at the makeshift memorial in the following days. 25 years later it is still a very prominent memory

[@latt1n668]

Their t shirts look like "loading..."

[@cherfoster2101]

Garnett Ali lol righhht

[@latt1n668]

Wtf no whatever

[@cherfoster2101]

Wat😐

[@looneytunes5590]

Garnett Ali 😂😂😂

[@isabeltraistaru6959]

I thought they looked like the Walmart logo

[@skykid2012]

just as spot on today!long live freedom! remember.... t....Them!

[@markmegill94]

Remembering the families from Sandy Hook today with a song I performed with my choirs many times. We all need to pray for the children of this world, they are the future, and I hope it is a brighter and safer one.

[@hotpink3459]

Best teen choir I've heard!

[@rebeccaenglert6672]

This is the best SATB version of Payer of the Children that I have ever heard. Their vocals are amazing for their age. If you would watch this vocal performance, they sound like they could be in college. I do agree that the end could have been softer, but overall, it was a job well done

[@oscarbelmare_22]

I’m about to sing this for concert choir on Tuesday, wish me luck and hope I don’t mess up lol

[@Robsonsoares.apometrialag]

That song is amazing when I hear it with my eyes closed... I see the children of all different nations praying at same time asking to heal our planet in this right moment. So pure so true .. amazing choir !

[@kimberlysevastyanenko3798]

This is definitely a poignant song right now. We're in a shattered world for sure.

[@ericanevaeh238]

My choir is currently going to sing this song for festival and it is the perfect time because it can relate to all of the children in Ukraine.. it's so sad we all burst into tears just thinking of how they must feel..

[@christopherbuckingham7516]

Same, my school choir will be singing this at our spring concert to shed light on the Ukraine situation, it is a beautiful song of hope

[@janetcampbell9286]

Not only Ukraine but many nations in the Middle East. Afghanistan since the U.S. left, the Taliban have over run many parts of that country. Let's make this song for all of the children that God sees suffering!🕊

[@AnnAmandaMandy1]

I sang this in my middle school choir (8th grade) and it was the most challenging, complex and beautiful arrangement I've ever been apart of. We definitely weren't perfect despite working on it for nearly 5 months, but it will always be my favorite piece I've ever been a part of 🖤

[@lilybee2083]

My choir is singing this, and it has so much more meaning to us now, because we just had a shooting in our town not too long ago.

[@shiannamariestentt]

Lily Bee oh no. I am so sorry to hear that.

[@genequist3859]

I'm 34 now, but when I was 14 I entered my high school varsity/Acapella choir and this was one of the first songs we rehearsed for the fall concert. I remember being blown away by the expansive sound of the largest and most advanced choir I had been a part of up to that date. It was really a beautiful experience.

[@erikaknapp128]

My choir just did this for our fall concert last week. It's so touching and the most beautiful piece I've ever done for choir (this is my 4th year in choir). I also recommend the choral song Suliko. It has the same vibe as this song and is so pretty.

[@craigfunk1818]

As a 19 year old young man Kurt Bestor served an LDS Mission to the Balkans prior to the civil war there. This was written later during the Balkan war due to Kurt's great love and familiarity to the people and especially the children who were suffering so much due to the war. Unfortunately it can be used in way too many settings these days.

[@msbolan]

I received a "Word Perfect" word processing installation CD back in 1997, and on that CD was an entire album entitled "Innovators". Many (if not all) of the songs were Kurt Bestor's arrangements. This was the final track on that CD, and I still remember being floored when I heard it for the first time. It stirred emotions so strong that I will never forget it. It brought me to tears almost instantly.

[@kimberlysevastyanenko3798]

I know you commented years ago, but I have been looking for his album everywhere and I can't find it!

[@ianflanders6725]

It makes me so sad to think that this has happened so much in so many different parts of the world... It breaks my heart to think that those children didn't get to live longer than elementary school... This song has been a way for everyone to be able to see what God must have been thinking... "Can you hear the voice of the children..." I know all those children are happier now... Amazing performance... Thank anyone who was involved in supporting these families and those who will help others in the future...

[@emmah.8892]

The amount of chills that go down my spine while listening to this piece is crazy. I tear up every time

[@anitavanessasun4171]

my choir has a beautiful tradition: every time they sing this song, they sing it with their eyes closed. It never fails to make an astounding performance. I remember going to ACDA Nationals and crying with my eyes closed while singing this song.

[@daisyp1670]

sang this in high school. listening to it now after uvalde and crying.

[@ginnygrisdale]

Just beautiful. May all individuals turn our heart to the Lord and hear the cries and prayers of the children.

[@dberube82]

We sang this song at my High School all 4yrs I was in choir at our Spring Concerts to raise awareness of child abuse, poverty. This is a powerful song.

[@noverachiever]

Ever since first learning of this song by performing it 12 years ago in a youth outreach choir, the message always comes back to me, each time feeling more relevant than the last, and today its message cries loud and clear. May all children be safe in their parents’ arms. ❤️

[@franceshudson7065]

So moving in today’s world of sadness..

[@alexgibbs8945]

there are no words for how beautiful this is

[@emmaabad3985]

You should look up the song “we are the voices” then, it’s really pretty too

[@jenjr65]

The prayer of the children

[@nanikdasani4547]

Can you hear the prayer of the children On bended knee, in the shadow of an unknown room? Empty eyes, with no more tears to cry, Turning heavenward, toward the light. Crying, "Jesus, help me To see the morning light of one more day; But if I should die before I wake, I pray my soul to take." Can you feel the heart of the children Aching for home, for something of their very own? Reaching hands, with nothing to hold on to But hope for a better day, a better day. Crying, "Jesus, help me To feel the love again in my own land; But if unknown roads lead away from home, Give me loving arms, away from harm." Can you hear the voice of the children Softly pleading for silence in a shattered world? Angry guns preach a gospel full of hate, Blood of the innocent on their hands. Crying, "Jesus, help me To feel the sun again upon my face; For when darkness clears I know you're near, Bringing peace again." Dali cujete sve djecje molitive? Can you hear the prayer of the children?

[@Punkgurly15]

My choir sang this in a WA state competition in 2008, and Andrea Klouse happened to be one of the judges. It was such a moving experience.

[@kamelhaj6850]

Definitely the best version I've heard of this song!

[@stevencraven4897]

The composer, Kurt Bestor, was a student in music theory when I was the class TA. He wrote it for the child victims during the war in Kosovo.

[@reneekuperus5095]

My brother was part of the honor's choir at our school, since we have a very small school the choir had about 20 people. I'm not sure if it was this arrangement they sang, but they had the opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic. There, they found a small square room, made completely out of concrete. The acoustics were *incredible!!* I wasn't there, but I saw the video, and it was like magic. Such a beautiful song.

[@KyieRobinson]

So very beautiful.

[@janetcampbell9286]

So beautiful & it is a sad song too. It's for not only Unkrainian children but children everywhere suffering because of war, poverty & hunger! God help them through other people & bring peace to Ukrain & help those who are bringing aggression against them. 🕊

[@NatalieColtrin]

My choir is singing this next month! Can't wait to preform this beautiful song

[@sheilahendrix5935]

May💙 God 💛Be 💚With💜 Everyone ❤️Always💛 Much 💜Love💙 Blessings 💛Always ☺️ 🎇 🌈 🌐 ✌️✌️💯💯✌️💜💚💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

[@patmoran6446]

Having performed this song with an internationally ranked choir, I am impressed. Very well done with singers of such a young age. Awesome. Really.

[@r.coburn3344]

I see a lot of really excellent vowels. Good work.

[@anttileskela2027]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@oratilemolatlhwa3866]

My children's choir sang this, and it's still my favourite song ever

[@yourfriendmike4168]

Wonderful performance!

[@hydraulic._.pr3ss]

My schools top choirs sing this song at our final concert every year with asl interpreters

[@Calidoso]

Just Beautiful....

[@trishalisridharan]

I feel super grateful that I was able to sing this with my choir representing our school !

[@mbadrako3089]

when my choir at my school sung this people actually were crying.

[@lukejuras8024]

This is the best rendition of one of my favorite choral pieces. Thank you very much!

[@monicalilysmith4042]

Tears ... so beautiful !!!

[@Jerram89]

I remember singing this- particularly hard for lyrics due to heaps of subtle variations. Was always happy when we got to the end...

[@rozaizes357]

simply stunning and beautiful...

[@brooklyndonnigan9679]

My high school choir sang this song for our first concert of second semester in March and it got me because it was about the Sandy Hook Shooting and now hearing about the Robb School Shooting… it’s healing but very sad. Wow..

[@themdg]

Really great performance. Confidence oozing from these singers. Thank you!

[@GreenYoshi3881]

Absolutely beautiful 😍

[@LegallyBlondeEsq]

Stunning!!! Truly a beautiful recording of one of my favorite songs.

[@TmDisc]

My 7th grade choir teacher ARRANGED THIS PIECE. 0-0

[@andreamorales5031]

I love this

[@alexlaws5086]

I was in Vivace choir when she taught us to sing this.

[@naomimoon7082]

Literally gave me goosebumps

[@termanator900000]

I LOVE THIS SONG!!!! It's one of my favorite's!!! Very Expressive! Thank you for singing it....

[@valleayire1972]

THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!!! I already loved this song. Now I like it even more.

[@carmenlerma411]

Exquisite! So well done!

[@sunnybeach103]

We sang this in 2006 in my hs choir. I miss this so much. Makes me want to get maui going on this song

[@abbyfry8078]

Just preformed this tonight. It was just beautiful, and an amazing honor to sing.

[@amodroshode3635]

wow simply amazing beautiful indeed nice job

[@jenwestmusic]

Wow! This is so well done. 🙌

[@xanderneal6856]

This gives me chills

[@marcingrochal3278]

Beautiful singing

[@loranevode1284]

Amazing !!!! 😍😍😍

[@franko1616]

BRILLIANT HARMONY!

[@xrjockey86]

Wow! I did this in a small men’s group in high school. Sounds much better with all of the parts. Well done! Tear jerker!

[@lizcloutier8190]

Brings tears to mine eyes...when will the killing stop..

[@sheilahendrix5935]

Peace💚 and ❤️Blessings 💛Too💛 My 💜Brothers❤️ May 💛God💛 Bless 💚Everyone ❤️Always 💛May💛 God 💜Bless ❤️Everyone 💛Richly 💚with❤️ everything💛 they💛 need❤️ Always 💛Much 💙Love💙 Blessings ❤️Always ☺️ 🎇 🌈 🌐 💯💯✌️💙💛💛❤️❤️💚❤️❤️❤️💛💛

[@LAWPerry]

I honestly don’t know if I could do it. Sing it, be in the audience… my sobs would resonate throughout the performance space.

[@PlatypusVomit]

Feels really really rushed compared to how we performed it. I put it at .75 playback speed and it just feels right now. That really takes me back. This was our favorite song back in highschool decades ago.

[@VanillaBryce5]

Well I enjoyed that

[@kahlanhoover85]

This song makes me want to cry

[@Meleeman011]

hits differently in 2020.

[@pawpower1023]

Fantastic

[@savannahrodriguez5448]

perfectly performed

[@fries_yumyum]

Dona nobis pacem 🕊🤍

[@DoctorComedy365]

Where singing this this year at my school

[@maryruthsmitth5039]

Doctor Comedy t

[@zariahbutts8402]

My school too

[@Coolio-tv7lv]

Listen at 0.75x. Amazing.

[@marcingrochal3278]

I sung a solo of this song at school when I was young

[@henrimozardkpetche8804]

SYMBIOSE!

[@floriancrausaz4714]

ouow, what a quality for that difficult age. It really speacks to the heart, and the look very passionnated. And excellent arrangment! On the was, whould this arrangment be available? That mix version could fit for my mixed choir

[@SpecOpsDoctor]

God will hold accountable, in this life and in the next, all of those who purposely took the peace of the children - to this there is no forgiveness.

[@KristinaPalattao]

my choir performed this last night at our school boards showcase. a lot of them are graduating next year, I'll miss them :(

[@ruthstevens9962]

Kristina Palattao bt

[@ruthstevens9962]

Kristina Palattao d

[@outofpocket72]

Tear jerker...

[@u2ub]

Pretty sure the ending is pianissimo, but overall very well sung

[@taleiahharrell2967]

so who disliked? i just wanna talk

[@lillievaden2055]

Our chancel choir performed this song, so sad!

[@mparks05]

Too fast

[@Coolio-tv7lv]

Yep

[@brianbackup6492]

Looking at their shirts, I'm surprised they didn't sing this in Walmart

[@kimballmcmullin6861]

Brian Backup hahahahahaha

[@K.HansHakenson]

Dumb

[@redbillywiley]

This is beautiful, it is a tad bit too fast than what is written at quarter = ca 52. I don't know this tempo is kinda growing on me. I know why they did it faster. Breathing.

[@rebeccaeve5554]

Their blend is pretty awesome; the only thing that really puts me off is they seem to stay at the same volume the entire time and their vowels are not all the same shape. It was a little too fast for me... It kind of took away from the beautiful harmonies in this arrangement.

[@XxDarkSimorghxX]

Rebecca Eve they are also children.

[@rebeccaeve5554]

That has absolutely nothing to do with the problems I just listed.

[@ravenruns]

+Roman Blados They're around the age of my high school choir, they're not that young. There are plenty of choirs who can unify the shape of their vowels and focus on their dynamics at this age.

[@andrewpengilley4323]

They're also Australian. The vowels are fine.

[@chrislss8]

Same volume? I would put the blame on the recording. They clearly have dynamic contrast.

[@tinalhodges4619]

My schools Chamber Choir sung this song for the 17 people kill in Parkland FL

[@cressievibes5931]

listening to this wishing i wasn't afraid for my nieces' and cousins' lives

[@elizabethchace9180]

Have your handkerchief handy!

[@tomcatcosplays4704]

As great as this was, there needed to be more projection from the baritones. The main sound is the baritones, and the rest is mostly backup.

[@andreashermawan3790]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍 Like Like Like Gbu..

[@marinadunhill8933]

just a tip, tell them to work on their vowel pronunciations. for example : pronounce hear hea instead of heer