Today, the Commonwealth Secretariat is issuing an open call for creatives across the Commonwealth – both professional and amateur – to take part in an exciting project to mark the Queen’s Jubilee.
The ‘Commonwealth Natural Wonders in Music’ project aims to unite those with a passion for music and art to work together on a new song and accompanying video celebrating the natural wonders of the Commonwealth.
The piece will weave together sounds from the natural world (e.g. wind through the trees, bird song, the sounds of the waves and waterfalls) and traditional national music to create a melody that reflects the richness of life across the Commonwealth’s 54 countries.
The video will feature performances from musicians filmed against a backdrop of stunning locations, as well as work from artists and illustrators.
Delivered in partnership with professional music group The Dionysus Ensemble, the project will celebrate the wide array of environmental riches and artistic talent that can be found in the Commonwealth. The finished work will be released in time for The Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend in June 2022.
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Musicians, artists, photographers, creatives, and composers - of every age, ability, instrument, and art form - are invited to get involved.
Layne Robinson, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Head of Social Policy Development, said: “The Commonwealth Secretariat is pleased to be involved with such an inclusive project to mark Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to work with an outstanding and internationally recognised music partner on a project that will showcase the amazing talent and rich natural diversity that exist in the 54 countries.
“Music and art are unifying forces. This project will bring together communities from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe and the Pacific.
“We are also pleased to offer a platform for up-and-coming creatives to develop and hone their skills with help from industry experts and hope the finished project will uplift and inspire others – particularly in a time of such uncertainty and hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Contributors will be involved with the conception and creation of the project and will collaborate with Commonwealth musicians and professionals to record the musical piece.
Online workshops will offer participants the chance to discover the world of composing, or to develop existing skills alongside experts and performers from The Dionysus Ensemble.
To find out more, and to make a submission, click here.
Léonie Adams, Artistic Director of The Dionysus Ensemble said: "I'm really excited at the prospect of bringing not only musicians, but also creatives in other art forms, together from all around the Commonwealth, all collaborating together to share with the world some of the astonishing natural wonders that make up the Commonwealth.
“A showcase, through music and art, of the unique, breathtaking and glorious marvels in nature all over the Commonwealth to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee."
Media contact
- Amy Coles Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
