During our five years together Vocal Dimension has had its fair share of glitz and glamour – and with Vegas on the not-too-distant horizon, that’s set to continue! However, starting in August of 2015 we became involved in an enterprise which doesn’t include bling of any description – but it’s certainly set our hearts a-glow...
It all started when we were invited to take part in a recording of a new work, “Una Voce” at RAF Northolt. Written by Flt Lt Harriet Tadikonda, this is a five part movement which underpins an initiative to bring together all faiths in the name of peace. Harriet needed a women’s chorus able to sing in four part harmony – and she chose us! We were really excited to be participating in our first formal recording. In the studio with us were soloists from the armed forces; the RAF band; a Fijian choir from Andover; the Royal Harmonics male chorus and the North London Military Wives Choir. What a privilege to work with such an array of talented musicians; as we got to know one another in between “takes”, barriers were broken down and the true meaning behind the music and the lyrics began to shine through. In particular we concentrated on laying down a track called “A Path to Peace” which was due to be released as a single in December 2015.
In December we were invited to the Anoopam Mission Temple in Denham, Bucks, for the official launch of the single. Not really knowing exactly what to expect, we were full of anticipation as it would be the first time we’d heard the completed track. For most of us, it was our first visit to a Hindu temple and it was glorious! Bathed pink in colour outside, the temple was visually stunning inside, with colourful representations of the Hindu gods and gurus all lit beautifully by enormous, glittering chandeliers. It was the perfect setting for the unveiling of “A Path to Peace” and we were thrilled to meet up again with fellow artists from the recording and enjoy listening to the powerful, heartwarming piece for the very first time. Humbled, too by the speeches including those given by Thelma Stober, a 7/7 survivor and ambassador for peace, and by Lord Popat who supports the One Voice project wholeheartedly. But best of all was the exceptionally warm welcome from the temple congregation; volunteers guided us during the day and explained customs and the stories behind the temple artifacts.
They home-cooked a delicious meal for all their guests in the Thali style and in return Vocal Dimension sang their favourite carol “Silent Night” and the much-requested “Jingle Bells”! It was a wonderful, memorable day topped off by recording the video for the single in the grounds of the temple. There was an icy wind blowing, but we all huddled together to reinforce the message: “United in faith! We are One Voice!”
We are proud and privileged to be taking part in this worthy project and are now very much looking forward to the next steps: the release of the documentary; performing the piece live for the first time and returning to the Anoopam Temple to catch up with our new friends (and fans!) and sing in their 2016 Christmas concert.
“One Voice: A Path to Peace” was released 15
December 2015 and is available to purchase from
Amazon;
iTunes and
Sycamore Publishing, all proceeds to go to
SSAFA (Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Families Association).
