Each day that Governor Andy Beshear holds his 5 p.m. briefing with updates on the coronavirus pandemic, he lists the number of people who’ve recovered from COVID-19, the number of people newly diagnosed and, the number of those who’ve died in the Commonwealth.
On Friday, May 8th, the Governor ended the briefing with a video of the song, "Down In the River to Pray” performed by The University of Kentucky Chorale. The group dedicated the song to Kentuckians who’ve lost someone to COVID-19.
Betsy Johnson is President of the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities. Johnson said, as of May 15th, approximately 59% of the COVID-19 deaths in Kentucky are individuals who live in a long-term care setting. She said the UK Chorale’s dedication of this song sends a powerful message.
“It’s not only a very powerful message for family members but also for those healthcare workers who are dealing with this every single day and have lost people who they’ve cared for, for many years every single day and have loved dearly,” said Johnson.
Thirty-two singers of the chorale recorded their parts a cappella from their homes. Director Dr. Jeff Johnson said he taught each part to the sopranos, altos, tenors, and bases by rote.
“I feel like this piece was just the perfect song and the perfect theme for overcoming really tough times but with a hopeful message: not with a negative or fearful message but something with hope and almost joyful really,” said Johnson.
Lexington native, Bailey Tillery, said she was moved by the piece and honored to be the lead soloist.
In Jackson, Kentucky, Shirley Easterling, a registered nurse and floor supervisor at a private geriatric center, said music like this helps bring the community together.
“To help each other through whatever it is, whether it’s a celebration or unfortunately like this, a death in community from the pandemic that nobody really has any answers to,” said Easterling.
The video was released on May 8th. Matthew Gibson with the UK College of Fine Arts was the video editor for the piece. He said being able to see all the singers come together despite their physical distances and still be able to create something moving showed a sense of togetherness.
Kentucky State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Sherry Culp, said as the numbers of deaths from COVID-19 increased in long -term care facilities it was sad that funerals or memorials weren’t possible.
“So for a community group to put together their voices and sing something so poignant and beautiful in memory of the people we’ve lost in long-term care to COVID-19 is extremely touching,” said Culp.
The video on YouTube has had thousands of views. Director Dr. Jeff Johnson said he’s proud that the chorale could come together virtually and produce something of substance and of artistic value.
“And that would be emotionally healing and cleansing hopefully to some people during this time,” said Johnson.
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