Out now: One Long Song

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We are so excited to share the world premiere audio and video recordings One Long Song by Ben Parry and Anoushka Lucas, featuring over 1,000 voices at the Royal Albert Hall.

One Long Song was commissioned to mark our 40^th anniversary in 2023 and received its world premiere at a celebratory concert at the Royal Albert Hall last April. This is that performance, recorded live on the night!

Composer (and former Artistic Director of the National Youth Choir) Ben Parry has collaborated with writer, musician and West End performer Anoushka Lucas to create an incredible piece that embodies celebration, inclusivity and belonging. It is a 40-voice part work, specifically written for singers of different ages and stages of their musical journey. 

The choir of over 1,000 voices included members of the current choirs from across the UK, aged 9-25, past and present members of the National Youth Choir's Emerging Professional Artists programme, choir alumni from the four decades and staff. There was also a digital soundscape of young voices from the National Youth Choir's SING! programme in the North East of England and even a part for the Albert Hall audience to sing! 

Ruth Evans, National Youth Choir Executive Producer and commissioner, said:  

“It is thrilling to be able to share this wonderful live recording with everyone and recall the electric atmosphere in the Royal Albert Hall on the concert night, almost a year ago. Ben and Anoushka’s new choral work for 40 voice parts embodies celebration, inclusivity and the power of singing together. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to making this work one of the highlights of the National Youth Choir’s 40 years and hope viewers and listeners enjoy the release!” 

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Thank You

The National Youth Choir is very grateful to the Royal Albert Hall and the 40^th Anniversary Sponsors for supporting this new commission.

Ruby Sponsors

• The Emily Fund 

Gold Sponsors

• Atom Bank 
• John S Cohen Foundation
• David Roper
• Georgina Robb
• Greg Watson & Elfreda Tealby-Watson

Silver Sponsors

• Steinberg Media Technologies, Dorico 
• Alireza Zaimi Bronze Sponsors
• J&S Asquith Charitable Trust
• Natalie Campbell Chandra
• Kieran Cooper
• The Delap Family
• Anne Gallacher
• Professor C.F. Higgins
• The Munden Family

With thanks to the Royal Albert Hall for their support of our 40th anniversary celebrations, and for granting permission to produce this recording.

Performers

National Youth Choir
National Youth Training Choir
National Youth Girls' Choir
National Youth Boys' Choir
National Youth Choir Fellows 2023
National Youth Choir Alumni & Fellowship Alumni (including virtual choir)
National Youth Choir Staff & Trustees
National Youth Choir L&E Programme SING! Participants (soundscape)

Jamie Wright (vocal percussionist)
Paul Whittaker OBE (BSL interpreter)

Ben Parry (conductor)

Video filmed by Ben Tomlin
Audio mixing/mastering and video editing by Josh Quinlan