Baba Yetu

Christopher Tin
Directed by Erika McCauley
Performed by Virtuoso Singers
Bon Voyage Concert, April 16, 2010

Featuring

Gilbert Bolden III, Harrison Street

Instrumentalists

Tara Belisle, flute; Kate Hill, suspended cymbal; Keith McCauley, djembe; Gentry Myler, congas; Hailee Myler, triangle; Melody Paskett, shaker; Heather Pinder, double bass; Annie Roberts, piano; Dana Walker, chimes

A note from the composer

“Missionaries of the 19th century used Swahili as the lingua franca for spreading Christianity across East Africa; consequently, a rich tradition of vocal music arose that blended European harmonies with traditional African call-and-response.”

Baba Yetu literally means ‘Our Father.”

Our Father, who art in Heaven. Amen!
Our Father, Hallowed be thy name.
Give us this day our daily bread,
Forgive us of our trespasses
As we forgive others
Who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from the evil one forever.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven. (Amen)