A century ago, Olympic sprinter and Christian missionary Eric Liddell refused to compete in his favoured 100 metre race because it was held on a Sunday. Instead, he competed in the 400 metres … and won. Liddell’s story and the convictions that motivated him formed the foundations for the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
As the Olympics return to Paris this summer and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Eric Liddell’s historic race, All Souls Music are delighted to confirm guest artists for Prom Praise: Chariots of Fire, broadcast live from the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 4 May 2024.
The concert will draw inspiration from Liddell’s tale of integrity, presenting an evening of musical sportsmanship that champions perseverance, character and hope.
Artists include YolanDa Brown OBE, Martin Smith (pictured above), Ellie Limebear and Natasha Da Costa. Livestream host and Channel 5 News anchor Dan Walker (main photo above) will take to the stage with former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Nadiya Bychkova, performing a sensational new dance to Vangelis’ iconic Chariots of Fire main theme.
Graham Daniels, General Director of Christians in Sport and a Director of Cambridge United Football Club, will offer a brief pause for thought and Eltham College Choir and musicians will be performing, honouring the school which formed such a crucial role in Liddell’s early life.
The concert will also feature the World Premiere of a new orchestration of ‘How Great Thou Art’, celebrating the 75th anniversary of this well-known hymn, as well as featuring performances from Searchlight Theatre Company, bringing Liddell’s story to life.
Sponsored by Christians in Sport and supported by Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Stuart Hine Trust, Prom Praise: Chariots of Fire promises to be a whirlwind of musical energy, celebrating an Olympic year and worthy of a giant of sport and faith.
Famous worldwide for a unique voice in music, the All Souls Orchestra has a longstanding residency at the Royal Albert Hall hosting an annual promenade concert, Prom Praise, which fuses a special partnership of classical and contemporary musicians for an evening of world-class music.
PROGRAMME INCLUDES:
Miklós Rózsa March of the Charioteers from Ben-Hur
Vangelis Chariots of Fire Main Theme
Rom Goodwin The Trap Main Theme
Sibelius Finlandia
FEATURING:
All Souls Orchestra
Prom Praise Massed Choir
Conductor: Michael Andrews
Special guests: Martin Smith, Ellie Limebear, YolanDa Brown OBE, Eltham College Choir and more
Speaker: Graham Daniels
Livestream host: Dan Walker
The live event will be taking place at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP on Saturday 4 May at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office.
The Livestream will begin at 7.15pm at allsoulsmusic.org<http://allsoulsmusic.org>
All Photos: Courtesy of Prom Praise