March 29th 2021
New song by Sir Tim Rice will be at centre of Sing2G7, an ambitious children’s engagement programme led by Truro Cathedral’s Choristers
Primary School Teachers invited to sign up for free G7 Edu-Pack
Truro Cathedral transformed into a Covid-safe film set this Saturday, as 35 choristers, Sir Tim Rice and a pro bono professional film crew of seven navigated the challenges of social distancing to capture footage for an exciting new short film.
The film will feature Truro Cathedral Choristers singing a brand new song, written especially for them, by their patron Sir Tim Rice, with music by Peter Hobbs and a special arrangement by Joseph Wicks. The song video’s release in early May will launch an innovative, international outreach programme, Sing2G7, which aims to bring the voices of thousands of children from Cornwall, UK and the rest of the world, to the heart of the G7 Summit through song and to make the Summit relevant to their young lives.
Free sheet music, tutorials and other music resources will be available on the Sing2G7 website. There will be lots of creative ways to unite together in song, whether virtually or, Covid-permitting, in person.
Truro Cathedral choristers have a strong track record of community outreach and singing ‘outside the box’ of their Cathedral day duties. In 2018 they inspired over 6,000 voices across five continents to sing their song of solidarity, 'Grenfell From Today,’ in collaboration with the charity Cornwall Hugs and in 2019 they brought the choral tradition to mainstream TV on Britain’s Got Talent, achieving four ‘yesses’ and a standing ovation from all the judges.
Director of Music, Christopher Gray, says: ‘The song, Gee Seven, is a real toe-tapper. Music has the power to unite us across oceans and cultures and our boys and girls are so excited to reach out again to their peers all over the world. For teachers, who are thinking about how to engage children in G7, we hope the song provides a fun, musical springboard and that the G7 Education Pack makes their lives a tiny bit easier, as they plan for the Summer term.’
Sir Tim Rice says, I’ve been an admirer and supporter of Truro Cathedral and its outstanding choir for many years. I was delighted when the choir asked me for a song to mark the first ever G7 conference to be held in Cornwall, which I’ve written with composer Peter Hobbs, entitled, ‘Gee Seven’. I wanted to write a song that is fun and toe-tapping so that children enjoy singing it. If there is a message, it’s that in the context of history and science, we are very, very small and this is just our moment in time. We’re saying to G7 leaders, you just happen to be our leaders in this moment, so watch it. The final verse says, if you don’t get it right, we’ll run you out of town…and we might. We know the narrow lanes of Cornwall better than you do.'
Sing2G7’s aim is to make children’s voices audible to world leaders. Girl chorister, Chloe comments, ‘I think it’s really important for young children to learn that they have a voice and to use it and that if they do, they have the ability to be heard!’
With the G7 Summit coming to Cornwall in June, the event not only provides an exciting opportunity for children to learn about the issues that will be discussed in meeting rooms, but also to consider what it is to be a good leader in today’s world.
Free Key Stage 2 education resources around G7 themes and the concept of leadership are being created by Truro School and will be available to download early in the Summer Term, via the Sing2G7 website www.sing2g7.org. Teachers are encouraged to sign up now via the website, to get early notification as soon as the resources are ready to go.
The Sing2G7 project is led by Truro Cathedral in partnership with Truro School, the Diocese of Truro, Cornwall Music Service Trust, Cornwall Council and in collaboration with Y7, the Youth Summit which precedes and feeds into G7.
Sing2G7 has attracted the outstanding skills of an exceptional creative team who are gifting their expertise to bring the vision to life through music and film.
Director of Photography Chris Yacoubian leads the film making team. Chris brings 30 years’ experience in TV and film including the Elton John / Graham Norton interview in Nice, the recent Idris Elba / Sir Paul McCartney interview and productions like ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘How do you solve a problem like Maria?’
Drone cameraman Duncan Scobie adds his incredible talent to bring the bird’s eye perspective to the film. Sound Engineer Andrew Gemmill will ensure that sound quality is top notch and the creative team is further augmented by Christiaan Bailey, Luke Brown, Aaron Hindes and Jon Raftery. Mitch Adams brings his editing skills.
Director of Music at Truro Cathedral, Christopher Gray and Esmé Page (Cornwall Hugs, but here acting in a private capacity), who collaborated on the Grenfell song, are driving the project, with in-depth support from Vicky Garner and Sarah McLachlan, both parents of choristers, bringing their communication and project coordination expertise.
ENDS
For further information or more images please contact Vicky Garner or Esmé Page on: sing2g7@gmail.com
Images:
1. Sir Tim Rice with Truro Cathedral Choristers, Christopher Gray and composer Peter Hobbs - credit: Luke Brown
2. On set filming for Sing2G7 in Truro Cathedral - credit: Luke BrownFull Press Release to follow shortly.
3. Girl chorister soloist Chloe during filming for Sing2G7 - credit: Sing2G7
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