A choir formed of members of the Armed Forces who have been affected by their service have teamed up with classical star Carly Paoli on her latest single ‘Liberty’. The Invictus Games Choir, who feature on the track, are a community choir for serving and veteran personnel from all services, who are wounded, injured or sick, to help them in their recovery.
Supported by Help for Heroes, the Choir’s rehearsals and performance opportunities build confidence and provide a creative outlet to help support the choir members. The choir have now been given the opportunity to sing on Carly Paoli’s latest single ‘Liberty’. The song is written by the Grammy Award winning songwriter Walter Afanasieff whose many credits include hits for Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand and Mariah Carey. Featuring The London Symphony Orchestra, the song was recorded at Abbey Road and Strongroom Studios.
Carly met members of the Invictus Games Choir at the 2018 ‘Soldiering On Awards’ and felt the lyrics reflected the endeavours of the group and asked if they would like to record backing vocals to enhance the track. Speaking about ‘Liberty’ and recording with the Invictus Games Choir, Carly said “It’s really special to have the choir singing with me, they have all experienced so much more than I could ever imagine. The words in ‘Liberty’ say “from ashes…we’ll rise above it all” and the members of the choir are the epitome of individuals who have done just that in different circumstances and situations. Being together as a choir exemplifies that unity and the healing power of music. Every so often a song comes along that has a powerful message. This is such a song and I don’t think there could be a more powerful group of people to share such a strong message with.”
12 members of the Invictus Games Choir are featured on the single including Sue, a retired Senior Royal Navy Nurse. Sue sustained multiple fractures in an accident during service in 2009, since injury she has built her strength again through sport and rehabilitation and gone from being in a wheelchair to now walking on crutches.
Proceeds from the single will be donated to Help for Heroes to help military personnel, Veterans and their families affected by their service on their recovery journey, with activities like the Invictus Games Choir.
