October 30, 2024

LORD SPENCER APPLAUDS ROCK CHOIR’S FUNDRAISING, HONOURING PRINCESS DIANA’S LEGACY AND 25 YEARS OF THE DIANA AWARD

Today the largest contemporary choir in the world, Rock Choir releases a very special music video for The Diana Award recorded at Althorp House in Northamptonshire.

'Make Your Own Kind of Music' - Live at Althorp single cover

Today the largest contemporary choir in the world, Rock Choir releases a very special music video for The Diana Award recorded at Althorp House in Northamptonshire.

Althorp House, the childhood home and final resting place of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, served as a poignant backdrop for the filming.

The Diana Award, the only charity established in memory of Diana, celebrates her belief that young people have the power to change the world. This year, the charity marks its 25th anniversary.

To commemorate this milestone, over 350 Rock Choir members from across the UK gathered at Althorp to perform and be filmed singing the uplifting song “Make Your Own Kind of Music.”

The music video features unprecedented access to the house and grounds, with Lord Spencer himself present to witness the choir's moving performance at the front of his home. He met with Caroline Redman Lusher, the inspirational Creator of Rock Choir, and Nigel Varndell, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications for The Diana Award, sharing in the joy of the moment with them.

After watching an exclusive preview of the video, Lord Spencer commented:

“It was a rare treat to hear Rock Choir’s beautiful voices, with their catchy harmonies, performing at Althorp for The Diana Award. I am excited to see how such a joyous fund-raising initiative will benefit this fabulous charity, which keeps my sister Diana’s legacy alive, quarter of a century on, while empowering young people across the world.”

Rock Choir at Althorp Estate

The combination of the beautiful location, the significance of the venue, and the charitable cause created a deeply moving experience for all involved. A particularly poignant moment occurred when the choir gathered around the lake where Princess Diana is laid to rest, singing with emotion and enormous pride in front of her memorial.

“Make Your Own Kind Of Music,” originally sung by Cass Elliot and later covered by Paloma Faith, was chosen for this project as it carries an empowering and positive message that resonates across generations. Rock Choir’s culture and ethos revolve around fostering a supportive and inclusive community that celebrates the joy of music and singing.

Caroline Redman Lusher, Creator of Rock Choir comments:

“We shared an unforgettable and profoundly moving day together at Althorp. The experience of recording and filming our new pop video, Make Your Own Kind of Music, in the childhood residence and final resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales, was deeply emotional. The voices of 360 Rock Choir members carried through the grounds, creating a truly remarkable sound and the beauty of the estate and the historical significance of the location will forever remain a unique memory.
It was a privilege to be welcomed by Lord Spencer into his ancestral family home and I was honoured to introduce him to Rock Choir. My hope is that our special fundraising video and single can now be released, raising awareness and crucial funds for the invaluable work of The Diana Award."

Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award comments –

“The Diana Award is the only charity set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales and her belief in the power of young people to change the world.  As we mark our 25th anniversary we’re delighted and honoured to have the ongoing support of her brother Lord Spencer and to work with Rock Choir to produce such moving and powerful recording.”

The powerful fundraising video will be released on the 30th October at 10am to showcase how music can bring people together for a meaningful cause, reinforcing the impact of community and creativity in supporting the legacy of Princess Diana through The Diana Award. The single will be released on Friday 1st November and can be pre-saved here.

You can donate to the fundraising page www.justgiving.com/rock-choir-diana-award

Rock Choir singing live at Althorp

ENDS_

For further information please contact Louise Harris on 07980 996318 or email louise.harris@rockchoir.com

Access photographs from the recording here

About Rock Choir

Rock Choir was established in 2005 by award-winning musician, Caroline Redman Lusher, and is the pioneering contemporary choir of the UK and remains unique with over 33,000 members participating in approximately 400 local communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It offers all ages an alternative experience to the traditional classical or community choir introducing members to feel-good pop, rock and contemporary chart songs.

The Rock Choir Team consists of over 120 individuals, including over 100 professional musicians and performers (The Rock Choir Leaders) who each deliver weekly Rock Choir rehearsals in their own local communities.

Rock Choir has appeared on many TV and Radio shows, including The One Show, Britain's Got Talent, Good Morning Britain, This Morning, BBC Breakfast, Sky News, Radio 2's Michael Ball Show, Clare Balding's Good Morning, Sunday, ITV News, Channel 5 News, Steph's Packed Lunch and many more.

Rock Choir is the winner of the Red Ribbon 'Big Heart' Award and is recognised as being intrinsically generous and passionate about fundraising.

www.rockchoir.com

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