“You must be the change you want to be” - these insightful words of Mahatma Gandhi form part of the text of the opening lyrics of Earth Dance, composed by Simon Haw MBE, and is dedicated to HM The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Diamond Jubilee Patron of Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir.

Earth Dance was commissioned by the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra (CYO) to mark the Biennial Meeting, held in April 2018 at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, of the 53 Commonwealth Heads of Government.

The text of Earth Dance - drawn from writings, ancient, modern and new - reflect on the values of Engagement, Unity, Respect, Diversity, Renew and Empowerment.

These themes are the inspiration behind CYO’s mission and its numerous initiatives, including the:
Commonwealth Music Partnership
Commonwealth Music Council
Commonwealth Community Heritage

For many years CYO has been delivering its mission of “using music as a means of international dialogue, knowing no boundaries” through its three-point delivery plan: Engage-Educate-Empower.

CYO engages with individuals and communities throughout all 53 countries of the Commonwealth - across nations, international and racial divides – resulting in extensive engaged diversity in action.

“Every man, woman and child sits on the shoulders of previous generations, inheriting the courage and discovery of those who went before and the opportunity to learn the lessons of the past and to build for a better future.”
Commonwealth Anthem

Christ’s College, Cambridge
Wednesday 26 September 2018

Presented by Professor David Rowland

Conductor Major Simon Haw MBE

Members of:
Commonwealth Scholars’ Choir
Commonwealth Children’s Choir
Commonwealth Youth Orchestra

By kind permission of The Master, Professor Jane Stapleton DCL and The Fellows of Christ’s College, Cambridge

Music track 1 - Respect from Earth Dance by Simon Haw MBE
Music Track 2 - Diversity from Earth Dance by Simon Haw MBE

Front Cover: Blue pencil drawing of Christ’s College, Cambridge, by David Loggan (1634–1692)
Source: Cantabrigia Illustrata, 1690

Executive Producer: Sally Shebe, ARCM
VT Producer: Jake Ellwood
Stills Photographer: Chris Lobina

© Commonwealth Music Copyright 2018

© Crown Copyright 2018

All rights reserved