Anthem - the film of Southend-on-Sea's greatest moment by SPARKY FILM
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- 'Live recording produced by Mark Cunningham and mixed by Jon Webber.'
On Friday, 6th of July, the air of Southend was filled with the sound of 2000 choristers, aged from seven to 80 years, singing a specially-commissioned piece of music by internationally acclaimed composer, Tolga Kashif, as the Olympic Torch reached the sea. Kashif, who has collaborated in the past with rock band Queen, has been described by Brian May as 'someone with a unique view and a new dream'.
The choir stretched to 83 metres in length and was arranged on a stage, seven tiers high, set against the stunning backdrop of the sea and Southend's world famous pier.
As the Torch arrived at the City Beach the choir burst into song. The piece of music, titled Anthem: Let Your Light Shine is a rousing, epic work that draws on many different music genres, rhythms and styles to represent a global message. It was developed in response to the open-air setting, the sea and the large number of singers taking part. It has been written to allow for participation from a wide range of ages and abilities. The refrain has been written to encourage as much audience participation as possible and the organisers are hoping all audience members will be moved to join in. After all, music and singing has long been one of Southend's cultural strengths. The town boasts some outstanding musical talent in a number of genres including Benjamin Grosvenor (the youngest pianist to play at the proms) Southend Girls and Boys Choirs, Lee Mead, Wilko Johnson and The Horrors among many others.
Music accompaniment for the work has been provided by Black Dyke Band, the world's most famous brass band who have been playing for over 150 years. The Black Dyke Band have made over 350 recordings with such diverse musicians and conductors as former Prime Minister Edward Heath, Paul McCartney, Tori Amos and the Beautiful South. They also played on the Beatles hit record 'Yellow Submarine'.
This ambitious idea, conceived and developed by Metal, forms part of a wider programme of activity programmed by SoSBC to celebrate the torch visit. It follows Metal's previous, successful mass-participatory cultural projects in the town, including: breaking the Guinness World record for the Longest Line of Bunting in 2009 (9000 flags were made by the people of Southend) and a visual arts project, Thames to Tama in 2011 that saw 4665 school pupils create one large installation in celebration of the 15th Century explorer and adventurer, William Adams.
Metal's Managing Director, Colette Bailey said: 'This has been our biggest and most exciting project to date. Bringing together 2000 singers is not without its logistical and musical challenges, but the power of the human voice singing collectively and the unique, once-in-a-lifetime moment when the torch comes to our town will make the event a magical and uplifting experience for both those who take part and those watching.'
Derek Jarvis, Southend's portfolio holder for culture said: 'The sight and sound of nearly 2000 choristers singing on the Southend seafront to welcome the Olympic Torch will be truly inspirational. We will be doing all we can to make sure that everyone in the town will remember July 6th, 2012, for the rest of their lives.'
Southend's Anthem has been granted the Inspire mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme. The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Anthem has been organised by Metal in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council (SoSBC), Southend Education Trust (SET) and Arts Council England (ACE).
This film was directed and produced by Mark McCarthy of SPARKY FILM follow us @SPARKYFILM
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A joy to see and also to be a part of this unique moment in Southend's history. I am a Member of the Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir which sang the 'Anthem'.
JRC
It was a great day Kelly, an amazing day in fact. Thanks and please share..Sparky
A very proud Southend...Well done.
Surely the anthem of Southend should be called: "Our Pier's on Fire again" :D
So I was 9/10 years old and I was a part of this choir, it changed everything and I became very close to music, I'm now 14 living in Leicester and I completely forgot about this. It was really nice to remember this moment and I actually saw myself, I still can't believe I was a member of such an important part of the run ups to Olympics
I was a part of this with my primary school, watching it back I spotted my mum and some others i know xd Nearly brought me to tears! This experience will stay with me forever
4 years ago I was part of the choir with my secondary school and it was the most amazing experience that I will never forget! Watching this video brings back so many memories, like how we spent so much time and effort into practising this song, but I remember when it was all worth it after all of the Southend community joined together to see and welcome the olympic torch and what a wonderful day it was, which I will remember forever.
Stepria x Very true :)
Well done to all. Big pat on the back to the choir of Cecil Jones for braving the rain in zone 3! Great day :) Kelly Hall, Cecil Jones College.
I was part of the choir with my primary school and I had a wonderful time doing this event. When I watched this video back it made me feel really proud because I was actually a part of it. Watching it again made me cry. I still have the lyrics sheets carefully put away so they don't get ruined.
Amy-Louise Kelly what school were you at?
Fantastic vids, fantastic talent great show, Astonishing!!
A wonderful little film....great to see so many Happy, Smiling faces!!!
Brian Wright Everyone looked so happy. :)
+Amy-Louise Kelly Hope you had a great day making it. Cannot believe the Olympics was 4 years ago.
I was in the choir! Woo Eastwood Academy! (the smallest 8 member choir there!)
I was there in the choir when I was in year 5
Thanks Jon - was an amazing day - please pass on the link to the Orpheus choir and regards to them all - and thanks for positive comments, I'm very proud of this film..