Classical tenor records England World Cup song

xcept · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:27 pm Post subject:

'Hearts of England' is released as a digital single on 25th August

A specially recorded England team anthem for the forthcoming Rugby League World Cup has been produced. The rousing and inspiring song titled 'Hearts of England', written by composer Patrick Hawes and his brother Revd Andrew Hawes, has been performed by leading classical tenor Jonathan Ansell.

Its lyrics capture the traditions and heartlands of Rugby League in this country as well as evoking the heroism and commitment of international teams competing on the world sporting stage. Jonathan also commented on his involvement in the project. He said: '...Hearts of England is an uplifting anthem that I am proud to have recorded for the Rugby League World Cup. It's fantastic to be involved with Rugby League at this historic moment in its history, and I can't wait to get singing on the pitch before matches.'

'Hearts of England' is taken from Jonathan's new album, 'Forever' which is released on 6th October. Jonathan will perform the track at Wembley in front of 80,000 people on 30th August at the Rugby League Carnegie Challenge Cup Final

'Hearts of England' is released as a digital single on 25th August

'Forever' Jonathan's new album is released on 6th October

Source: UCJ

Marian · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 724 Location: Middlesex

xcept - you are a darlin' for finding that out - thank you so much. Very Happy

jonfan · Joined: Sep 18, 2007 Posts: 269

Thank you Xcept, cant wait to see Jonathan perform this ,heard a snippet on the OS sounded wonderful

Molly · Joined: Jan 14, 2006 Posts: 655

Thanks a million Xcept.

I cant wait to download the song on Monday morning!

Love Molly xx

JessicaL · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 708 Location: Belfast

Thanks so much xcept -looking forward to downloading on Monday Cool

.Goodness thats going to be a serious crowd Jonathan will be performing to Cool

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Marian · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 724 Location: Middlesex

Hearts of England to headline the pre-match

Leading classical tenor Jonathan Ansell will headline the pre-match entertainment at the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium next Saturday.

Prior to kick-off, Ansell will give the first ever public performance of the specially recorded England Rugby League World Cup team anthem ‘Hearts of England’.

The rousing and inspirational song has been produced by Universal Music in partnership with the RFL. Its lyrics capture the traditions and heartlands of Rugby League in this country as well as evoking the heroism and commitment of international teams competing on the world sporting stage.

Ansell will also be performing the National Anthem at Wembley and the classic Challenge Cup Final hymn ‘Abide with me’ in the build-up to the kick-off between Hull FC and St Helens.

Jonathan Ansell was previously a member of classical group G4. After leaving them, he released his debut solo album which shot to top of the classical charts and reached number 9 in the pop charts making him a major figure in the UK entertainment industry.

Ansell will be supported by the 100-strong Wimbledon Choral Society who will join him on the pitch to sing. The widely respected choir are known for their powerful performances and have previously appeared at the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and on BBC TV’s 1998 World Cup programme theme music.

This performance will be preceded by traditional Cup Final music from the Band of the Blues and Royals. The pre-game show will also feature a parade of honour by players from the Leeds and Wakefield clubs who played in the 1968 ‘Watersplash’ Challenge Cup Final at Wembley.

Prior to that the eagerly awaited Champion Schools Year 7 (Under 11) Final will be played as the traditional junior curtain raiser to the main game. This season the game is between Pickering school of Hull and Wigan’s Standish School.

Commenting on the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final pre-match entertainment, RFL Marketing Manager Phil Williams said, “We feel this year’s pre-match entertainment will be a perfect mix of tradition, atmosphere and excitement.

“The uplifting performances by both Jonathan Ansell and the Blues and Royals will provide the perfect build-up to the big clash between the Hull FC and the Saints”.

Williams added:” We feel this musical feast will generate tremendous anticipation and excitement among all supporters inside Wembley, making the whole day a sporting event not to be missed.

“We would encourage all those attending the final to take their seats as early as possible and savour what will be a very special build-up”.

Also commenting Jonathan Ansell said: “Wembley is a great venue and I’m sure the atmosphere will be absolutely electric on the day of the Final, I’ll certainly be adding my voice to the support.

“Hearts of England is an uplifting anthem that I am proud to have recorded for the Rugby League World Cup and I’m very excited to be performing it at the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final.”

“I’m looking forward to what should be a great event”.

Jonathan Ansell returns with his highly anticipated second studio album FOREVER, due for release on Oct 6th 2008 through Universal Classics and Jazz which features the song “Hearts of England

http://www.therfl.co.uk/~therflc/home/news_item.php?id=11509

smilie-eyes · Joined: Sep 20, 2007 Posts: 190

Gosh Marian the whole thing is getting bigger by the minute, now a 100 strong choir accompanying him and 3 perfomances. Love a crowd singing Abide with Me and sure he will encourage them - had lots of experience in this Smile

moxxx

jonfan · Joined: Sep 18, 2007 Posts: 269

This all sounds so exciting for Jonathan, I am sure he will enjoy every moment of it, Very Happy

JessicaL · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 708 Location: Belfast

100 strong choir -fantastic so can't wait for this one Very Happy

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Molly · Joined: Jan 14, 2006 Posts: 655

Thanks Marian!

Everything is sounding more wonderful by the moment!

I hope we get to hear Abide with Me in full as well as Hearts of England - and a 100 strong choir behind him - how fabulous.

Dont forget to download on Monday morning folks!

Love Molly xx

jonfan · Joined: Sep 18, 2007 Posts: 269

Goodluck to Jonathan today ,singing Hearts Of England, at Wembley,

It looks as though the weather will be fine, I will be downloading the single

on Monday, cant wait to hear it in full.

Jonfan Very Happy

Marian · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 724 Location: Middlesex

I have been lucky enough to be given a ticket for this by my good friend Chelle so we are shortly heading off to Wembley for what looks like a fabulous day out and with Jonathan thrown in, who could ask for more!! Very Happy

JessicaL · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 708 Location: Belfast

Have fun Marian looking forward to your reviews Very Happy

.Have sky all set to record this Smile

looking forward to watching and downloading Hearts of England later Smile

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Dilog · Joined: Feb 19, 2006 Posts: 86

Looking forward to this one - 1:30 is not long - bet the Beeb talk all over it!

But sure Marian and Chelle will capture everything Smile

Di

Molly · Joined: Jan 14, 2006 Posts: 655

Apparently Jonathan sang Hearts of England live just before Abide with Me - but it wasnt televised. Sad

They then played it out in the field during half time.

But we did get to hear Jonathan sing Abide With Me and the National Anthem - both beautifully.

We will have to cross our fingers now that Marian and Chelle managed to video the actual performance of HOE.

I downloaded the single this morning - beautifully sung by Jonathan and a very emotive song for the occasion.

Love Molly xx