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Leeds Met supporting the world premiere of Leeds Rhinos’ anthem
17/11/05
View more images from the event at Leeds Town Hall
Leeds Met supported the world premiere of the Leeds
Rhinos’ anthem by legendary composer Carl
Davis at a special concert which took place at Leeds Town
Hall on Sunday 20 November.
The showpiece occasion formed part of the International Concert Season, with Mr Davis leading the Orchestra of Opera North in performing popular classic film tunes such as Chariots of Fire, Indiana Jones, Superman, Rocky, Chicago and Gladiator.
The concert sponsored by Leeds Metropolitan University saw the first-ever full performance of Mr Davis’ anthem for the Leeds Rhinos which has been commissioned by the city of Leeds in celebration of the Rhinos becoming Carnegie World Club Champions in 2005.
The new anthem for the Rhinos forms part of a year-long partnership between Leeds City Council, Leeds Rugby and Leeds Initiative to use the Rhinos’ success as a way to promote the city. The piece of music includes a fanfare which will be played as the team enters the field before every home game next season.
View more images from the student performance at Headingley Campus
Before the performance of the new anthem, students from schools in Leeds performed compositions they had created in workshops with Carl Davis.
Composer Carl Davis said:
“I consider it a great honour to have been asked to compose the music for that dramatic moment when the Leeds Rhinos takes to the field. We should feel both the fear and the wonder.”
Chair of Leeds Cultural Partnership Councillor John Procter said:
“Everyone involved is hugely excited about having someone of Carl’s stature performing at Leeds Town Hall and it is sure to be a night to remember for everyone there. In particular we cannot wait to hear the new anthem for the Rhinos for the first time – we are all intrigued to find out what Carl has produced.
“It is fantastic for the city of Leeds to have a legend like Carl involved in this way, and the whole evening promises to be a unique and very special occasion.”
Chief Executive of Leeds Rugby Gary Hetherington said:
”This has been a very exciting project and something completely new and innovative for any sporting club. We are really proud that Carl Davis has honoured us with his new piece and we are all looking forward to hearing the Rhinos anthem for the first time.”
Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University Professor Simon Lee said:
“Leeds Metropolitan University is delighted to be involved in this musical and sporting partnership with Leeds City Council, Leeds Rhinos, the Leeds Cultural Partnership and Carl Davis.
“There are some great cultural and sporting examples of world-class regional organisations in the North of England, and we are striving to be a world-class regional university. Thank you and congratulations to Carl Davis, to Leeds City Council and to Leeds Rhinos.”
