The Orchestra celebrated today with an impromptu performance of an anthems medley in front of the Royal Festival Hall, conducted by Olympic triple jump gold medallist, world record holder and London 2012 Board member Jonathan Edwards, the 2000 Olympic triple jump champion and world record holder.

The LPO will record the anthems at the world famous Abbey Road Studios next month.

Using 36 musicians, it will take 50 recording hours over six days with final sessions taking place in September.

Sebastian Coe, London 2012 chairman, said: "The playing of anthems at victory ceremonies is one of the most emotive parts of any Games and it was an incredible moment for me at the Moscow and Los Angeles Games.

"We're delighted to be working with the London Philharmonic Orchestra to deliver this key element of the ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Watched by a worldwide audience, the victory ceremonies encapsulate the Olympic and Paralympic values and celebrate the spirit of friendship, fairness and inclusion amongst the competing athletes.


The anthems will also be used as part of the official welcome to the Village, attended by official dignitaries and athletes from every country taking part in the Games.

Timothy Walker, chief executive and artistic director of the LPO, said: "The Orchestra is delighted and honoured to participate in this exciting project which gives us the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the London 2012 and Paralympic Games.

"We look forward to ensuring that the anthems recorded are of the highest quality and will fully match the extraordinary achievements of the world's greatest athletes in 2012."

The arrangements for the anthems will be made by British composer, conductor and cellist Philip Sheppard, who specialises in film and television soundtracks, large scale theatre and events and is a Professor at the Royal Academy of Music.

He said: "I'm very excited about working with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, a truly world class group of musicians.

"We'll be recording every national anthem of the world in the world famous Abbey Road Studios that have been graced by so many incredible artists, so I hope that spirit of creativity and industry accompanies us on this enormous undertaking.

"It was a thrill to devise a new version of the UK anthem for the Beijing Olympics closing ceremony and I only hope we'll hear our own National Anthem at numerous medal ceremonies."

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