A new video collaboration with the Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir featuring Alexandra Burke and the London Concert Orchestra has just been released.
This is a cover of the 1997 No 1 chart hit classic ‘You’re Not Alone’ originally performed by the trio Olive which won an Ivor Novello Award in the ‘Best Dance Music’ category. The song has been covered by a number of artists including the Hungarian DJ Duo SaberZ in 2020.
The 50 piece classical orchestral backing with the choir make this recording full of emotion and a real tear jerker.
The Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir said:
“The last few months have been a very difficult time for everyone, we’ve all been affected in different ways. So many people will be struggling, for some it will be obvious but for others the struggles will be hidden. This song is a reminder that we are all there when people need us.We’re hoping the recording will reach out to many who may feel isolated and bring a sense of community spirit. Music also brings joy and the chance to focus on other things, evoking happy memories and hopes for the future.”
“We’ve had limited time to rehearse at the moment and we are missing singing together so this was a great opportunity to be involved in this project. The prospect of singing with an orchestra is very exciting and definitely a new opportunity for us. We feel very privileged to be asked to participate in such a fantastic project”
A performance of the track was due to take place at the Royal Albert Hall this month but was cancelled due Covid-19 restrictions. All the performers, collectively decided to create a video to show appreciation and say a big “thank you” to key workers including our NHS.
The Ministry of Sound Classical has said that they are overjoyed for the video to include the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir, having been invited to perform on the track by Alexandra Burke.
Dr. Kate McCarthy who sings in the NHS Choir said: “It’s been good to immerse ourselves in something so different” to our day to day work and that this has provided “a good mental release.”
The NHS Choir revealed that they had all recorded remotely using phones in their own time.
“We started virtual rehearsals to keep in touch and keep on track with learning new pieces. It’s also been a morale boost seeing each other online weekly.”
“We’ve had to quickly learn how to record ourselves and get used to hearing our voices individually, rather than as a choir. It’s difficult recording on your own, not knowing how it will sound until it’s all mixed together. It’s difficult not having the spontaneity in the immediate effect of many voices together in one room but it’s always exciting to hear the final result.” – Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir
Asked what their message to the public would be, the NHS Choir says:
“We’re so grateful for the continued support and recognition from the public towards the NHS and keyworkers. We’re thankful for people following guidelines stay safe and also to look out for others.We hope we are able to remind people that the NHS is always there for people, whatever they need and there are many, many dedicated people ready to support when it’s needed most.”
“By working together as one our voices are louder and more effective.”
“All keyworkers including the NHS are heroes. They have raised our spirits and the Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir sing out for us all.” – Cllr Alan Hall
More on the choir’s history is in an earlier post here