Hands are Knockin' by Kyle Pederson

Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs, Mpls., MN
www.angelicacantanti.org/
Ordway Concert Hall, 5/7/23
Cantanti Singers, Grades 9 - 12
Conductor: Philip Brown
Accompanist: Jamie Schmidt
Percussion: David Stanoch
Composer: www.kylepederson.com/
Text/Translation:
Naftahhu athhanana, Alhamdulillah
Naftahhu qulubana, Alhamdulillah
Namuddu aydeeyana, Alhamdulillah
We open our minds, thanks to God (Alleluia)
We open our hearts, thanks to God (Alleluia)
We reach out our hands, thanks to God (Alleluia)
Hands are Knockin’
Brother, will you let them in?
Sister, will you let them in?
About the piece: Hands are Knockin' was born from a collaborative effort with the Kindred Chamber Choir and their director, Melanie Brink, and staff members of the The American International School of Muscat (TAISM). The piece was commissioned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the school's opening, and was premiered at the 16th annual TAISM Festival of Choirs in the Sultanate of Oman. Because the school and festival are nestled in the heart of the Middle East in Oman, where Arabic is the official language, it seemed appropriate to incorporate several beautiful Arabic phrases throughout. Alhamdulillah is a very common expression in Arabic and, like alleluia, used frequently to verbalize joy or gratitude in many situations. The juxtaposition of English and Arabic text throughout the piece is intended to reinforce the universality of the message-an invitation to all to open our minds, hearts and hands to each other.