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STAGE TUBE: Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jubilee Music Video; Performed Live Tonight!

By: Jun. 04, 2012
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Tonight, Monday, June 4 at 7:30 PM in front of Buckingham Palace, Andrew Lloyd Webber (currently represented on Broadway with THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and the Tony Award-nominated productions of EVITA and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR) and Gary Barlow will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee (the 60th Anniversary of her ascension to the throne) with a live performance of "Sing" – the official Diamond Jubilee song, which they co-wrote for the special occasion. "Sing", which was released on Universal/Decca on May 28, unites some of The Commonwealth's most talented and diverse musicians, led by Gareth Malone and his Military Wives Choir, and The Commonwealth Band. The Official Charts Company has confirmed that "Sing", has made it straight to the top of the Official Albums Chart this Diamond Jubilee weekend and it has reached No.11 in the Official Singles Chart.

Check out the official music video!

Gary Barlow, Gareth Malone and the Military Wives came together at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London on April 5, 2012 to record and mix the final elements. Andrew Lloyd Webber oversaw the session via satellite from Quad Studios on 7th Avenue in New York City, overlooking Times Square – where he watched as crowds of theatergoers formed at the Marquis Theatre to celebrate the highly-anticipated Opening Night of the first Broadway revival of EVITA, Webber's hit musical co-written with Tim Rice, starring Ricky Martin, Elena Roger and Michael Cerveris.

Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber were approached by Buckingham Palace to bring their musical talents to the Jubilee celebrations and wrote this commemorative song as a result. Gary travelled around The Commonwealth countries of Australia, Kenya, Jamaica and the Solomon Islands gathering musicians that he could bring together into one song. His main criteria was to recruit undiscovered musicians who showed a real passion for music. His journey has been tracked in a BBC documentary which will air on BBC1 on Saturday June 2nd.

"Sing" forms part of a commemorative Jubilee album by Gary Barlow & The Commonwealth Band, released by Universal/Decca Records on Monday May 28th. The Commonwealth Band includes 210 musicians from across The Commonwealth, believed to be among the most musicians to record a UK single. They are as diverse as the African Children's Choir (including soloist Lydia), Aboriginal guitarist Gurrumul, Slum Drummers from Kenya's Kibera slum, the Jolly boys from Jamaica and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Band. And also Prince Harry on tambourine, making his recording debut. The album celebrates global young singing talent including New Zealander Hayley Westenra (the best-selling classical artist of the 21st Century) and two British singers; chart-topping tenor Alfie Boe and up-and-coming soprano Laura Wright. Some of the proceeds from 'Sing' will raise funds for The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust*.

Gary Barlow said: "We went on a journey with this record, meeting and recording with some beautifully talented singers and musicians. I can't believe we've managed to get the amount of people we got featured on this song, from all corners of The Commonwealth, but we did! I'm very proud of the result and hope people enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it."
Andrew Lloyd Webber said: "It has been a great joy to collaborate with Gary on a song for this extraordinary occasion. I hope it will become a song that is sung in celebration for many years to come."

Gareth Malone said: "We've had the most incredible year and have been embraced by the public in a way we never imagined possible. We're so honoured to have been chosen to be a part of this momentous national celebration. It's great to be able to continue the legacy of the Military Wives Choir, which includes the two fantastic new soloists on this single."

The Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Trust has been set up to honour Her Majesty The Queen and celebrate her lifetime of service to The Commonwealth. Former Prime Minister Sir John Major is Chair of the Trust , which is raising funds to invest in projects that will make a real and lasting difference to people's lives and creating a lasting tribute to Her Majesty.

Donations to the Trust will be spent on iconic projects that will enrich communities and build links across The Commonwealth. The Trust will work with established partners with a successful track record in creating lasting impact. You can find more about the Trust and make a donation at www.jubileetribute.org



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