Light the World was commissioned by Te Deum, Matthew Christopher Shepard, conductor, for the 10th Anniversary Season in Kansas City, Missouri. Robert Bode wrote this beautiful poem for the occasion, which made composing this blessing to commemorate Te Deum’s anniversary an even greater honor for me.
First performed by Te Deum Chamber Choir, with Matthew Shepherd (conductor), on November 11 2017, Kansas City.
A Prayer for Blessing(in honor of Te Deum’s 10th anniversary season)
May the Mother in us comfort usAnd the Father in us protect us;May the Daughter in us bring us HopeAnd the Son within us increase our Joy.May the Dancer in us move usAnd the Poet inspire our Song.May the Explorer embolden usAnd the Artist honor the Beauty that holds us.May we all be Creators and Priests and Nurses and Heroes,And may our Song lift beyond these wallsTo light the world.– Robert Bode, Kansas City, February, 2017
