British composer Ken Burton uses the writing of Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906), the black American son of emancipated slaves, in his 3-minute work A Prayer. The text of the three verses is bitter-sweet, filled with hope and sadness, and the music combines with this to make a rhythmically simple reflective evening hymn. Burton draws on Spiritual, Gospel and Blues to write a piece for SATB with divisi that will be a popular piece both to sing and to hear.

New commission from The Jason Max Ferdinand Singers and premiered in their inaugural concert as part of the online LIVE from London – Spring Festival 2021.

Follows Descend to Earth, VOCES8’s own commission of Ken Burton in the LIVE from London – Christmas Festival 2020.

UK-based Ken Burton is known for his work on UK television programmes, particularly in BBC TV’s Songs of Praise. Burton was choirmaster for the multi Oscar winning and Grammy winning Marvel film Black Panther.