London Gay Men’s Chorus will release vigil song in aid of Orlando victims
The London Gay Men’s Chorus released a full cover of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ today.
The British choir released the Simon & Garfunkel song for victims of the Orlando shooting.
The choir performed the cover at a vigil held in Soho last week. Videos of thousands of people at the vigil cheering for the choir have since circulated the internet
Proceeds from the cover are to be split equally between the Pulse Victims Fund and Galop, a London-based charity that works to reduce LGBT hate crime in the UK.
John D Carrion, chairman of LGMC said: “The LGMC believes passionately that music has the power to heal and to inspire, to life souls and to unite people in times of joy and sorrow.”
“The Orlando attack was an act of hatred directed towards the LGBT community and we want to combat this hate with a message of love, hope and solidarity. The response to our performance at the vigil has been incredibly overwhelming and humbling for all of our members.”
The track is being released in anticipation of a full album. It was recorded just hours before the shooting and the amazing response the group received at the vigil spurred them to release it early.
Artistic director of LGMC, Simon Sharp said: “The attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando sent shockwaves through the whole LGBT community. The LGMC responded in the only way we could: through song.”
“We were truly overwhelmed by the public response to our performance at the Soho vigil and want to do everything we can to raise money for the victims of the Orlando attack and for victims of LGBT hate crime in the UK.
“It’s a song that has taken on a new meaning for us as a chorus but we hope it sends out a message of love and support to all of our LGBT brothers and sisters and our straight allies across the world.”
49 people were killed and 53 injured in an attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando on June 12th.
The gunman, Omar Mateen, was killed in crossfire during his siege of Pulse. Transcripts of his calls with 911 negotiators have been released by the FBI.
Speculations that Mateen was gay and visited the nightclub regularly have circulated.
Vigils and tributes have taken place across the world to remember the victims.
