Composer Vivian Fung – ‘Prayer’ [WORLD PREMIERE]

Conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin and the CBC Virtual Orchestra performing the world premiere performance of Canadian composer Vivian Fung‘s ‘Prayer’

The CBC Virtual Orchestra, comprising members from 28 Canadian Orchestras, performing the world premiere performance of Canadian composer Vivian Fung‘s ‘Prayer’ - led by conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin.

Recorded virtually during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

"Prayer is, in essence, an aberration, for under no other circumstance in the past (or probably in the future) have I worn my heart on my sleeve as transparently as I have with this piece ..." Vivian has this week told The Violin Channel.

"In times of crisis and peril, we have but the reliance of faith - from the profound faith in humanity, faith in love, and faith that we will persevere and get through this with dignity, to the mundane faith that I would complete the piece within the extraordinary conditions that faced me, with a young child at home 24/7, a bronchial infection, and a very tight timeline (ultimately, a matter of days) to complete the piece in a manner feasible for COVID remote performance requirements ..." she has said.

"In the end, I chose a chant from my composer heroine Hildegard von Bingen as inspiration for my prayer ... I hope that this piece resonates with many people who are experiencing the same feelings of despair, frustration, and being overwhelmed that I did and that the piece provides a kind of solace and affirmation."

VIVIAN FUNG | 'PRAYER' | YANNICK NEZET-SEGUIN & CBC VIRTUAL ORCHESTRA | 2020