Stay with me, Lord

A setting of Padre Pio's Prayer after Communion commissioned by the Genesis Foundation and first performed by The Sixteen. Conducted by Harry Christophers, in June 2008 at Westminster Cathedral, London, and recorded by them (CORO label).Padre Pio (1887-1968), in his lifetime a controversial and holy man, was canonised St Pius of Pietrelcina in 2002. He is known unofficially as 'the patron saint of stress relief', in accord with his most famous dictum, 'Pray, hope and don't worry.' Will Todd sets an English version of the text by Ben Dunwell; by turns gentle and intense, the resulting choral prayer captures the reflective and emotional core of Pio's words. For intermediate standard performers; also suitable for gospel choirs.