In setting the words from Matthew 11:28, I wanted the words of Jesus Christ to take a more humanist approach outside the realm of organized religion. “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” is an act of kindness and welcome that should extend to all humans, regardless of gender, belief, orientation, race, class, immigration status, etc.

Give You Rest is part of a set called Songs of Welcome, my personal and continuing musical reflections on being an immigrant in this country.

Give You Rest is commissioned by Valerie Alfera for the L.A. Choral Lab. It is an unreleased bonus track from the L.A. Choral Lab’s first album Sonic Visions.