Accepting this prestigious award, Stephen said, “A special moment for me on this, was [that] we had the Choristers from The Pilgrims’ School in Winchester come and record on this. It reminded me about music teachers being the most important thing, so I dedicate this to mine.”
Stephen shared on X, formerly known as twitter, “So proud of the boys and the big part they played in some of the most emotional and wonderful moments in the game! Congrats to you all and Andy, you are #Grammy winners!!!“
Back in 2022, Stephen commissioned the Choristers for an exciting secret mission at Abbey Road Studios in London. The Choristers, who sing with the Winchester Cathedral Choir and are educated at The Pilgrims’ School, can be heard on the soundtrack for the new video game, ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’.
Director of Music at Winchester Cathedral, Andrew Lumsden, said of the Choristers’ achievement, “This is fantastic news for all of us at the Cathedral and The Pilgrims’ School but particularly for the Choristers. They are thrilled to have won the award and are over the moon with excitement. It is also very exciting that we have similar projects already in the pipeline.”
Stephen and the Choristers equally enjoyed the experience with Stephen saying; “It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be able to have the Choristers join the very small number of musicians who have recorded official music for the Star Wars musical universe! They were, as always, consummate professionals, effortlessly taking to the world of studio soundtrack recording, click tracks, and some very difficult music to learn and record extremely fast.
The music they recorded that day has been heard by tens of millions of people already, and we have heard players describe their moments as “breathtakingly beautiful” and “spellbinding”. For me, it was just a joy to be able to come full circle, and it absolutely reminded me that most of the skills I use daily as a professional musician came from being in the choir and at Pilgrims’, and that the choir is world-class, as ever. On behalf of myself, Gordy Haab, Respawn, EA and Disney, huge thanks to them and the staff; we are all very proud of their work!”
Former Winchester Cathedral Chorister, news broadcaster, Jon Snow, described his experience as a Chorister; “I feel it was the best start any child could ever have. I think to be steeped in music from the age of 7 onwards is absolutely magical, like treading on the outskirts of heaven.”
The music has been incredibly well received on social media, with comments including:
“Of the many magic moments my son has had as a chorister @WinCathedral, recording @AbbeyRoad Studios for the new #StarWars #JediSurvivor game must be near the top of the list!”
“Brilliant to hear it at last. You totally opened my now ex C’s eyes to the opportunities beyond canticles. Thanks for being so generous with your time and adding some cool to the mix!”
“Wow! This is really powerful.”
“Hearing this for the first time was a standout moment for me.”
“I love that scene, it has given me such goosebumps!”
“My heart stopped for a second when this played. Most beautiful rendition to the force them I’ve ever heard.”
“There’s so much more to being a chorister!”
Hear the haunting sounds of the Choristers here:
Force Theme – High Republic | Star Wars Jedi : Survivor – https://youtu.be/Z3h7O_xc8rI
Spotify link to Desert Ruins – https://open.spotify.com/track/6RttMjcOBklrgWxIguM59X?si=6b473f7b4484404b
Link to ITV Meridian news piece about the making of the recording: https://youtu.be/Q8ZWcUMizNc
For information on choral opportunities available at The Pilgrims’ School, visit www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk/choirs
