People are so stupid, this performance is fantastic! Why do commenters realize that the "shakiness" and "inexperience" of the kids enhances the performance? The song is about being young, wide-eyed and hopeful of the future! Yes we see the show play out in reverse, so we experience a bittersweet feeling knowing what Frank, Charlie, and Mary grow into, but at this moment, it strips everything away and reminds us that we were once those kids, eager to take on anything and leave our mark on the world. These performers were right at that point in their lives, and probably scared and excited to be performing the closing number for Stephen Sondheim's birthday concert-- at the Royal Albert Hall no less! Their voices perfectly capture that young innocence that hasn't been jaded by the world yet.
We were all so lucky to live at the same time as this great artist, no exaggeration to say he was the Shakespeare of our time! We will never see his like again, may he Rest In Peace!
I just adore watching this version. To see those young people full of joy and excitement at the end gives me goosebumps. Congratulations to all involved
Thanks Caroline, very kind of you. As if I've just noticed these comments lol. I'll be honest no it's not the best I've sang but I'm only human and we're all allowed our off days, it was a long and emotional week plus the added pressure of sharing the stage with some legends in the Royal Albert Hall, that always takes its toll but obviously these experts wouldn't know that, it's just a shame people feel they need to try and put down others to make themselves feel better. I guess all of them know the industry inside and out as well, as they seem to have been sat in the rehearsals with us and know the musical and stage direction that we were given well enough to comment on how we were performing it too. These are the kind of people that probably comment on all performances that they deem bad instead of seeing how wonderful it is that all the students on stage have been helped through drama school thanks to the BBCs wonderful charity and are a step closer to living their dreams. I don't get the white comment at all, why someone felt that was even necessary to bring up? Comments like that create a divide. I'm proud of my c.v. and the work that I've done in the west end, sorry if this displeases many of you but yea I've worked and am working in the west end its been a damn hard slog to get where I am and have overcome a lot to do so. I don't normally respond to posts like this good or bad the nature of this business is draining enough but after seeing a colleague comment and saw that it upset her a little well I felt I had too. So before I log out just think about what you're writing before you do so, would you like those things said about you? Try and be a bit more tactile. I'm not saying you have to like every performance ever taste is individual but try when commenting about something to make it an educated statement and not an attack because you don't like something. Many well wishes, x X WJ X x
I’ve watched and listened to this video many times over the years since it was first presented. I still get goosebumps. These young artists convey the true meaning of what is behind and under this song.The honesty. The hope. The naïveté. The wonder of a world waiting for them. Let’s look for their plaque.
The students performing were from a range of drama schools in the UK. They were all recipients of a BBC Bursary, which was money towards their fees or towards private singing lessons. The comment about there being so many whited skinned people is ridiculous. Not everyone who was attending a drama school at the time was awarded funding or even applied. It was a choice. I applied, auditioned but didn't get anything. I did a musical with Waylon (the main soloist) in 2009. He was a pleasure to work with. He has gone on to play Simba and is currently 1st cover Britney in We Will Rock You in the west end. There was no claim that these were 'the best' the UK drama schools had to offer. There were many reasons why people were chosen for the bursary. This was just a great opportunity for them all.
these comments are pissing me off. i just love watching this and it’s so unbelievably good! they’re acting is fabulous and the soloists are phenomenal and this entire performance was astounding. i don’t understand why race was suddenly brought up into this, but that was extremely pointless to bring up. this performance is so amazing and i would do anything to see these people in real life. i hope if these singers ever see this comment, that you all know this was so beautiful, heartwarming, and touching that i’ll never be able to stop talking about it. you are stunning
Wow! So many perfect singers and officionados of vocal technique commenting on here....... These young performers had the task of closing a HUGE televised performance in the Royal Albert Hall, no wonder there were nerves. What an opportunity, one many of you won't have. Celebrate their achievement, don't disembowel their performances. I thought all involved were excellent x
This kids did that song, and Sondheim proud. The people who got their knickers in a knot over it need to stop and relisten. This song is about young people demanding to take their place, to get to live their lives, they are not meant to be old and experienced, they are meant to be young and fresh faced. Also, only criticising the person of colour? That is kind of telling, really…. (Said as a very white 50something male)
Can someone explain why this song and this performance convince me that Sondheim surpassed his mentor Hammerstein? It's not just that he replaced sentimental with bittersweet. He reached a level, a depth, whatever, of understanding that didn't exist in R&H's time. New York in the early 80s gave Sondheim something I can't put my finger on.
@@johntlew This is a poor argument. All artists are indebted to others that came before them, and a piece of art can surpass its inspiration. We would not have Hamlet without The Spanish Tragedy, but which is superior? Hammerstein was inarguably influential, but Sondheim perfected what he started.
are these three (and the rest of the VERY young chorus) from some British music and drama school? if so, i'm not confident about the future of music theater. the young woman soloist is VERY flat!! and the two guys' voices are thin and strident. and my daughter with perfect pitch and an amazing vocal range can't get accepted to a music school. ridiculous!!
Because it's not like people actually have to work and improve their craft! No, by your contrived logic, you're either born a musical savant or you shouldn't bother. Because it's not like we have schools for this exact thing, no! That's just ridiculous!
This performance is not good. The guy who opens the number struggles to hit the notes, his tone isn't pleasant to listen to; his vowel sounds especially 'meeEEEEE' ARGH! The girl is drama school annoying and the other guy passable, but forgettable. Let's hope they are not the future of musicals in the West End.
People are so stupid, this performance is fantastic! Why do commenters realize that the "shakiness" and "inexperience" of the kids enhances the performance? The song is about being young, wide-eyed and hopeful of the future! Yes we see the show play out in reverse, so we experience a bittersweet feeling knowing what Frank, Charlie, and Mary grow into, but at this moment, it strips everything away and reminds us that we were once those kids, eager to take on anything and leave our mark on the world. These performers were right at that point in their lives, and probably scared and excited to be performing the closing number for Stephen Sondheim's birthday concert-- at the Royal Albert Hall no less! Their voices perfectly capture that young innocence that hasn't been jaded by the world yet.
Let’s all raise a glass to Stephen Sondheim and the joy he brought to us over so many years. Doubt we will get another like him.
We were all so lucky to live at the same time as this great artist, no exaggeration to say he was the Shakespeare of our time! We will never see his like again, may he Rest In Peace!
I'll drink to that.
RIP Stephen Sondheim. My favorite Sondheim song😥
.
Jeez I love this song. Chokes me up consistently.
I just adore watching this version.
To see those young people full of joy and excitement at the end gives me goosebumps.
Congratulations to all involved
Thanks Caroline, very kind of you. As if I've just noticed these comments lol. I'll be honest no it's not the best I've sang but I'm only human and we're all allowed our off days, it was a long and emotional week plus the added pressure of sharing the stage with some legends in the Royal Albert Hall, that always takes its toll but obviously these experts wouldn't know that, it's just a shame people feel they need to try and put down others to make themselves feel better. I guess all of them know the industry inside and out as well, as they seem to have been sat in the rehearsals with us and know the musical and stage direction that we were given well enough to comment on how we were performing it too. These are the kind of people that probably comment on all performances that they deem bad instead of seeing how wonderful it is that all the students on stage have been helped through drama school thanks to the BBCs wonderful charity and are a step closer to living their dreams.
I don't get the white comment at all, why someone felt that was even necessary to bring up? Comments like that create a divide.
I'm proud of my c.v. and the work that I've done in the west end, sorry if this displeases many of you but yea I've worked and am working in the west end its been a damn hard slog to get where I am and have overcome a lot to do so.
I don't normally respond to posts like this good or bad the nature of this business is draining enough but after seeing a colleague comment and saw that it upset her a little well I felt I had too.
So before I log out just think about what you're writing before you do so, would you like those things said about you? Try and be a bit more tactile. I'm not saying you have to like every performance ever taste is individual but try when commenting about something to make it an educated statement and not an attack because you don't like something.
Many well wishes,
x X WJ X x
I thought it was wonderful. Beautiful performance.
you were great, Waylon ;)
I’ve watched and listened to this video many times over the years since it was first presented. I still get goosebumps. These young artists convey the true meaning of what is behind and under this song.The honesty. The hope. The naïveté. The wonder of a world waiting for them. Let’s look for their plaque.
The students performing were from a range of drama schools in the UK. They were all recipients of a BBC Bursary, which was money towards their fees or towards private singing lessons. The comment about there being so many whited skinned people is ridiculous. Not everyone who was attending a drama school at the time was awarded funding or even applied. It was a choice. I applied, auditioned but didn't get anything.
I did a musical with Waylon (the main soloist) in 2009. He was a pleasure to work with. He has gone on to play Simba and is currently 1st cover Britney in We Will Rock You in the west end.
There was no claim that these were 'the best' the UK drama schools had to offer. There were many reasons why people were chosen for the bursary. This was just a great opportunity for them all.
I cry every time I listen to this song 😊
these comments are pissing me off. i just love watching this and it’s so unbelievably good! they’re acting is fabulous and the soloists are phenomenal and this entire performance was astounding. i don’t understand why race was suddenly brought up into this, but that was extremely pointless to bring up. this performance is so amazing and i would do anything to see these people in real life. i hope if these singers ever see this comment, that you all know this was so beautiful, heartwarming, and touching that i’ll never be able to stop talking about it. you are stunning
Pure magic!
Wow! So many perfect singers and officionados of vocal technique commenting on here.......
These young performers had the task of closing a HUGE televised performance in the Royal Albert Hall, no wonder there were nerves. What an opportunity, one many of you won't have. Celebrate their achievement, don't disembowel their performances. I thought all involved were excellent x
Hahaha
Sondheim was prophetic. Our hope for this planet rests with the young
Beautiful!!!
What a great song, could be a high school graduation song,
I'm in a singing group that's doing just that :)
This is simply great
Such a wonderful song
this is so wonderful im sobbing
I'm still not quite certain what the BBC Proms are, but the performances---especially this one--are simply splendid.
love you great......
great.....great......
This kids did that song, and Sondheim proud. The people who got their knickers in a knot over it need to stop and relisten. This song is about young people demanding to take their place, to get to live their lives, they are not meant to be old and experienced, they are meant to be young and fresh faced. Also, only criticising the person of colour? That is kind of telling, really…. (Said as a very white 50something male)
That damn chime!
Can someone explain why this song and this performance convince me that Sondheim surpassed his mentor Hammerstein? It's not just that he replaced sentimental with bittersweet. He reached a level, a depth, whatever, of understanding that didn't exist in R&H's time. New York in the early 80s gave Sondheim something I can't put my finger on.
Without Hammerstein there would be no Sondheim.
@@johntlew This is a poor argument. All artists are indebted to others that came before them, and a piece of art can surpass its inspiration. We would not have Hamlet without The Spanish Tragedy, but which is superior? Hammerstein was inarguably influential, but Sondheim perfected what he started.
Who was the male soloist in the blue shirt? I thought his voice particularly good.
I love this song and this is a lovely performance, but it's a tad unnerving to hear such an American song with British accents.
@MrAlltheworldsastage
Not a very PC point of view....in fact UK drama and music colleges try very hard to be multi-ethnic.
@danmc1000 I uploaded for you
@andy20912 Because white skinned people at the prodomenent race in the UK - duh, so the student performers reflect that?
too bad it wasn't as fantastic as it could have been... nice voices... but the guy in the purple couldn't really hit "Me and You"...
Yeah.. This is a great song, but not a great performance.
yikes
also, WAY too much "eyebrow acting".
First thought: Sondheim for the next generation -- how great is that? But on second thought: so many white-skinned people on the stage -- why??
Because that was the ethnic composition in drama schools in in 1957. Perhaps it was wrong, but that's the way it was.
are these three (and the rest of the VERY young chorus) from some British music and drama school? if so, i'm not confident about the future of music theater. the young woman soloist is VERY flat!! and the two guys' voices are thin and strident. and my daughter with perfect pitch and an amazing vocal range can't get accepted to a music school. ridiculous!!
Because it's not like people actually have to work and improve their craft! No, by your contrived logic, you're either born a musical savant or you shouldn't bother. Because it's not like we have schools for this exact thing, no! That's just ridiculous!
Betsy. Lol.
Is broken heart for every light. And there are lots of music schools.
It's a catastrophe !!!
You're a catastrophe. LOL
This performance is not good. The guy who opens the number struggles to hit the notes, his tone isn't pleasant to listen to; his vowel sounds especially 'meeEEEEE' ARGH! The girl is drama school annoying and the other guy passable, but forgettable. Let's hope they are not the future of musicals in the West End.
I rather hope +you+ have improved by now.