From 'The Banner of Freedom' (O Le Fu'a o Le Sa'olotoga o Samoa) to ‘God Save the Queen'
Posted: October 18, 2017
Vocal Manoeuvres Academy Director, Alison Rogers, has been contracted to supply and coordinate singers to perform the National Anthems for the Rugby League World Cup Series which runs from the 27th October, through to the eagerly anticipated Grand Final on Saturday 2nd December.
This exciting contract will see our highly talented singers travelling to venues throughout Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea and performing anthems from over 11 different countries including Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy. Alison Rogers has coordinated and conducted a diverse range of events throughout Australia and internationally, including the prestigious Creative Generation State Schools On Stage events, and this is the type of challenge she relishes. Alison commented:
"It is very exciting to be working on this event, the national anthems of the countries represented in this competition are divers and glorious. It has been challenging ensuring we have the correct versions, keys and form and matching this with singers to ensure a great result"
To get a better understanding of what is actually involved in bringing this type of event together, we asked Alison for further insight.
What are some of the challenges in coordinating vocalists for an event of this scale?
It is a challenge ensuring that the singers voices match the key and range of the anthem. My skilled colleague, Andrew Bee, has coordinated the preparation of the backing tracks and has challenged me to find the authentic voice for each anthem, in style and timbre.
Is it difficult for singers to memorise anthems that aren't in their native language?
We have worked very hard to ensure we have singers performing the anthem who speak the language of the particular anthem. In some instances, singers have worked with language coaches to ensure the anthem is performed correctly. The learn subtle nuances by utilising the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet). However, we are very fortunate that we have so many singers who speak several languages and are able to express themselves so eloquently in these anthems, in most instances being the anthem of their country of birth.
What kind of cultural considerations do you need to account for in terms of visual presentation?
At each anthem presentation, we ask the singer to present in a professional and appropriate manner for their particular anthem. We have not engaged any traditional dress elements.
What kind of technical challenges are presented by this kind of event and venue?
The anthem is performed live to track, so the singer needs to deliver in real time. In order to do this, they need to ben an experienced performer with an ability to go beyond the text to communicate the anthem to a large stadium crowd in addition to an audience reached beyond the television camera. It is a technically challenging environment and a singer needs to be well poised to manage this performance and the various elements whilst remaining calm and in control.
We look forward to watching the Rugby League World Cup Series and seeing the National Anthem performances!