'BREXIT: A Rational Anthem for a National Tantrum' by Nitin Sawhney CBE
A brand new National Anthem composed and performed by Nitin Sawhney reflecting contemporary Britain, both in its lyrics and in its music. The fully orchestrated piece had its premiere at the Barbican on the 23rd February 2019 and was performed by Nitin Sawhney, members of his band, the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO) and singers from London Contemporary Voices
In this new commission British Indian musician Sawhney considers the state of the nation, focusing on its modern-day elements of multiculturalism, diversity and people. Using his findings from a tour of UK towns and cities, Sawhney will showcase a new ‘anthem’ that he has devised to look away from the past and truly reflect our current society – both in its lyrics and music. Sawhney decided that the piece would be brought to life by the teenage musicians of the NYO – who represent those who will shape the society of tomorrow.
In 2017 Sawhney received the Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement award, and is firmly established as a world-class producer, songwriter, DJ, multi-instrumentalist, orchestral composer and cultural pioneer across multiple mediums.
With over 20 studio albums to his name, including solo albums, around 60 film/TV soundtracks, copious theatre, dance and videogame scores, as well as numerous compilations, he has received a substantial wealth of major national and international awards for the work.