• Download images from a Team Welcome rehearsal from 8pm
• Team Welcome Ceremonies produced by National Youth Theatre of Great Britain
Over 200 national anthems have been arranged by British composer, conductor and cellist Philip Sheppard and were recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the world famous Abbey Road Studios. Using 36 musicians, it took 50 recording hours over 6 days and will now be played at over 100 Team Welcome Ceremonies and 805 Victory Ceremonies in the run up to and during the Games.
The first time the anthems will officially be played, is at the Team Welcome Ceremonies which begin tomorrow, as athletes arrive to the Olympic and Paralympic Village. Designed to formally welcome the athletes and team officials to the Games and taking place prior to both Opening Ceremonies, they act as a celebratory moment at the beginning of the Games. Several ceremonies are set to take place every day in the days leading up to the Games for up to four teams at a time providing the best welcome to London 2012.
The Ceremonies have been created produced and choreographed by The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (NYT) who will also perform the shows. Set to be exciting and engaging they will celebrate the strength, determination and courage of athletes. The 70 strong NYT will sing, dance and perform around athletes ensuring they are a part of the Ceremony.
As well as a performance by the NYT, the Team Welcome Ceremonies will also consist of protocol moments including the playing of the national anthems and raising of flags by members of the Armed Forces.
Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: ‘Teams from all over the world are coming to London and the Athletes’ Village will become their home throughout the Games. Some of them will be coming to London for the first time; others will be competing at their first Games so first impressions will count for a lot. I have no doubt that The National Youth Theatre will ensure that the Team Welcome Ceremonies will provide the warmest welcome to London and help create an environment for them to prepare for what could be the greatest moment in their sporting careers.
'The playing of anthems is one of the most emotive parts of any Games and it was an incredible moment for me at the Moscow and Los Angeles Games. I’m delighted we worked with the London Philharmonic Orchestra to deliver this key element of the ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.’
Paul Roseby, Artistic Director of the National Youth Theatre said: ‘To welcome the world to London, we’ve created a unique experience and assembled 140 exceptional performers who represent the very best of Britain in terms of talent, aspiration and multiculturalism. They are global ambassadors who will represent our nation and the National Youth Theatre with their raw, brave talent and we are extremely proud to be part of the London 2012 celebrations.’
The official London 2012 national anthems will also be played at Victory Ceremonies where medal winning athletes can formally celebrate their success. The flags of the athletes’ countries will are raised by members of the Armed Forces and the national anthem of the gold medallist’s nation is played.
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Notes to editors:
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100 or visit the website at www.london2012.com.
Download the official London 2012 anthems
Footage from a Team Welcome Ceremony rehearsal will be available later in the day via the London 2012 Footage library
Find out the latest from London 2012 on http://www.london2012.com , follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/london2012 or download the Offical London 2012 Join In app.
The Official London 2012 Join In app is a free mobile guide to help you plan, enjoy and share your Games experience. From the Olympic Torch Relay to the Olympics and Paralympics, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, plus all the cultural, city and community celebrations happening across the UK, the Official London 2012 Join In App is your essential companion. It is available now at app stores and at http://www.london2012.com/mobileapps/
London 2012 Games partners:
The Worldwide Olympic Partners who support the London 2012 Olympic Games and the National Olympic Committees around the world are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter and Gamble, Samsung and Visa.
LOCOG has seven domestic Tier One Partners - adidas, BMW, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF and Lloyds TSB. There are seven domestic Tier Two Supporters – Adecco, ArcelorMittal, Cadbury, Cisco, Deloitte, Thomas Cook and UPS. There are now twenty-eight domestic Tier Three Suppliers and Providers – Aggreko, Airwave, Atkins, Boston Consulting Group, CBS Outdoor, Crystal CG, Eurostar, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, G4S, GSK, Gymnova, Heathrow Airport, Heineken UK, Holiday Inn, John Lewis, McCann Worldgroup, Mondo, NATURE VALLEY, Next, Nielsen, Populous, Rapiscan Systems, Rio Tinto, Technogym, Thames Water, Ticketmaster, Trebor and Westfield.
There is one domestic Tier One Paralympic Games-only Partner, Sainsbury’s and one domestic Tier Three Paralympic Games-only Supplier, Otto Bock. The London 2012 Paralympic Games also acknowledges the support of the National Lottery.
