“For ever and ever”
You’ve most likely seen this already, but it bears repeating for those of you that may have missed it.
Choir! Choir! Choir! teamed up with David Byrne and a large group of enthusiastic singers for an emotionally charged rendition of "Heroes" in NYC last month.
The event took place in the Ford Foundation lobby of the Public Theater during the Under the Radar Festival on January 13th, and this is how David Byrne announced his involvement earlier in the day...
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How Do They Do It?
I've sat mesmerized watching online videos of the Canadian group Choir! Choir! Choir!
They somehow manage to get hundreds of strangers to sing beautifully together—in tune and full-voiced—with rich harmonies and detailed arrangements. With almost no rehearsal—how do they do it??
Well, opportunity knocks! I’m going to find out their secret tonight, as I’m singing a song with them (not one of my own) in the lobby of the Public Theater in New York along with, yes, hundreds of (mostly) strangers.
David Byrne, NYC
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On his online journal, Byrne also had this to say regarding the song selection...
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Why that song?
Well, it has to be something familiar—participants get lyric sheets but aren’t expected to be able to read music. It can’t be too difficult. My own thought on “Heroes”, the song we jointly agreed to do, is that given the structure of the song, it would probably build nicely—we’d possibly get a big triumphant climax, (ahem) which we did. I also had a hunch there MIGHT be a tiny subtext in doing that song, given the present state of the world and nation. An unspoken subtext, but one felt nonetheless—I believe that happened too. People confirmed it to me afterwards. I felt it.
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It was a particularly moving performance which you can view for yourself here.
Of course, this isn't the first time that Choir! Choir! Choir! Have tackled the music of David Bowie. Follow this link to hear their versions of Space Odditty, Rebel Rebel and The Man Who Sold The World.
Finally, read more of Mr Byrne’s thoughts regarding the performance via aforementioned journal.
FOOTNOTE: The two DBs are pictured here backstage at the 2003 MSG Bowie A Reality Tour show in New York.
#WeCanBeHeroes #BowieForever