A Song for Ukraine

In April, the Choir of Waiapu Cathedral in Napier will sing a very special new composition written in response to the recent invasion of Ukraine. The work, A Ukrainian Prayer, is by British composer John Rutter; he conducted the premier performance of this piece in London on the 16^th of March.

Anthony Tattersall, Director of Music at Waiapu Cathedral, has obtained the score of the work and the Cathedral Choir will sing it during an Evensong service in the Cathedral on Palm Sunday, April 10^th.   This service will feature special prayers for Ukraine and the Mayor of Napier, Kirsten Wise, has been invited to speak.

Composer John Rutter says “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 lovely Ukrainian prayer based on the Orthodox tradition, so I wrote my own music for that text. The English translation of the Ukrainian text is: “Good Lord, protect the Ukraine. Give her strength, courage, faith, and hope. Amen.”

The Reverend Jenny Chalmers, Vicar General of the Diocese of Waiapu, says Palm Sunday is the beginning of the most important week of the Christian year. “For Christians around the world it is fitting and important to join with the people of the Ukraine praying for peace at this time, because what could be more important?”

There is no admission charge to attend this event as Evensong is a regular part of the Waiapu Cathedral’s services.  However, a collection will be taken during the service and the offerings donated to an accredited charity to help fund assistance for Ukrainian families displaced from their homes during this invasion.  All are welcome to attend and join with the Cathedral family in prayer for the people of this war-torn country.