Composer creates A Prayer for Ukraine in response to the invasion

Composer John Rutter, has written a piece in response to the invasion of Ukraine. The new work, A Prayer for Ukraine, uses words known to Ukrainians around the world.

It’s sombre and sonorous soundworld contrasts strikingly with the memorably melodic carols which have made Rutter a household name.

He said: “How can a composer respond to a global tragedy? I suppose by writing music. Like everybody I have been shocked and dismayed by the events of recent days.

“The first thing I wanted to do was write music that would respond in my own way. I went to a late-night service in my old college chapel where they sang a setting of a lovely Ukrainian prayer so having encountered the Ukrainian text, on Thursday I wrote my own music.

I hope the meaning of the text will resonate in people’s hearts.”

Speaking about this premiere at St Mary Magdalene church in London’s Wandsworth Common, Mr Rutter said: “I had the opportunity to put it together at very short notice with this wonderful group of 300 people at a Singing Day in South London.

The church’s music director Barry Holden seemed thrilled with the idea. I hope it speaks in terms which reach out to the Ukrainian people in their hour of need.”

The English translation of the Ukrainian words of the new piece are, “Good Lord protect the Ukraine. Give her strength, courage, faith and hope. Amen.”

The 300 singers raised £2600 on the day for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine appeal.