From Eric Whitacre's Website (https://ericwhitacre.com/music-catalog/when-david-heard)
"The text, one single, devastating sentence, is from the King James Bible; II Samuel, 18:33:
When David heard that Absalom was slain he went up into his chamber over the gate and wept, my son, my son, O Absalom my son, would God I had died for thee!
When David Heard was commissioned by the Barlow Endowment for the Arts for the Brigham Young Singers, and is dedicated with love and silence to Dr. Ronald Staheli.
When David Heard received its premiere on March 26, 1999."
Spiritus Chamber Choir performed When David Heard in November 2023 in their "War and Peace" performance at Christ Church Elbow Park, in Calgary, AB.
