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