London 2012 hands baton to London Philharmonic Orchestra
The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has awarded the contract to record the 205 national anthems for the London 2012 Victory and Team Welcome Ceremonies to the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO).
Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra
One of the UK’s leading orchestras, the LPO is a global classical brand and has a distinguished history in the recording studio for both its classical work and its film scores. It has been the resident orchestra at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall since 1992, and includes musicians from 18 different countries.
The Orchestra celebrated the announcement with an impromptu performance of an anthems medley in front of the Royal Festival Hall, conducted by Olympic Triple Jump gold medallist and LOCOG Board Member Jonathan Edwards.
Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: ‘The playing of anthems at Victory Ceremonies is one of the most emotive parts of any Games and it was an incredible moment for me at the Moscow and Los Angeles Games. We’re delighted to be working with the London Philharmonic Orchestra to deliver this key element of the ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.’
The 205 anthems will be recorded at Abbey Road Studios in May 2011 and arranged by British composer, conductor and cellist Philip Sheppard. The process will take 36 musicians 50 recording hours over six days, with final sessions taking place in September 2011.
