Truro Cathedral Choir takes centre stage in Sing2G7 project
A song has been written by renowned lyricist, Sir Tim Rice, as part of an initiative to help young people engage in this summer's G7 Summit
Choristers at Truro Cathedral have recorded a new song to help youngsters across Cornwall and the rest of the world, relate to issues that are due to be discussed at this summer's G7 Summit.
The song 'Gee Seven' was written especially for them by English lyricist and patron of the cathedral, Sir Tim Rice, who has worked with the likes of Andrew Lloyd-Webber on stage productions such as 'Jesus Christ Superstar'
Music for the track was created by Peter Hobbs and a special arrangement by Joseph Wicks.
The 35-strong choir, which featured on ITV's Britain's Got Talent in 2019, were filmed recording the song by a professional bonafide crew, as part of a new short film due to be released in early May.
It's all part of the Sing2G7 project, led by the cathedral and other partnerships, with the aim to bring the voices of thousands of children from Cornwall, the UK and the rest of the world, to the heart of the G7 Summit through song and to make the Summit relevant to their young lives.
With world leaders descending on Cornwall in June, the event not only provides an exciting opportunity for children to learn about the issues that will be discussed in meeting rooms but also to consider what it is to be a good leader in today's world.
"The song, Gee Seven, is a real toe-tapper. Music has the power to unite us across oceans and cultures and our boys and girls are so excited to reach out again to their peers all over the world.
"For teachers, who are thinking about how to engage children in G7, we hope the song provides a fun, musical springboard and that the G7 Education Pack makes their lives a tiny bit easier, as they plan for the Summer term."
Christopher Gray, Director of Music at Truro Cathedral
Free sheet music, tutorials and other music resources will be available on the Sing2G7 website. There will be lots of creative ways to unite together in song, whether virtually or, Covid-permitting, in person.
I've been an admirer and supporter of Truro Cathedral and its outstanding choir for many years.
"I was delighted when the choir asked me for a song to mark the first ever G7 conference to be held in Cornwall, which I've written with composer Peter Hobbs, entitled, 'Gee Seven'.
"I wanted to write a song that is fun and toe-tapping so that children enjoy singing it. If there is a message, it's that in the context of history and science, we are very, very small and this is just our moment in time.
"We're saying to G7 leaders, you just happen to be our leaders in this moment, so watch it!
"The final verse says, if you don't get it right, we'll run you out of town…and we might. We know the narrow lanes of Cornwall better than you do!"
Sir Tim Rice, Patron of Truro Cathedral
Sing2G7's aim is to make children's voices audible to world leaders. Chorister, Chloe said:
"I think it's really important for young children to learn that they have a voice and to use it and that if they do, they have the ability to be heard!"
Free Key Stage 2 education resources around G7 themes and the concept of leadership are being created by Truro School and will be available to download early in the Summer Term, via the Sing2G7 website here.
Teachers are encouraged to sign up now via the website, to get an early notification as soon as the resources are ready to go.
The Sing2G7 project is led by Truro Cathedral in partnership with Truro School, the Diocese of Truro, Cornwall Music Service Trust, Cornwall Council and in collaboration with Y7, the Youth Summit which precedes and feeds into G7.