World-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, superstar Chinese pianist Lang Lang and famous Chinese soprano Lei Jia today (7 February) released their new song ‘Forever You and Me’, a musical gift to the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, in collaboration with Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles.
The song features Andrea Bocelli, Lang Lang and Lei Jia
‘Forever You and Me’ is sung in both Chinese and English by Andrea Bocelli and Lei Jia and features Lang Lang on piano. The song was inspired by the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and features distinguished artists from China, who is hosting the Olympic Winter Games this year, and Italy, who will present the Olympic Winter Games in 2026. ‘Forever You and Me’ was composed by Shu Nan with lyrics by Zhang Heping.
Fourteen years ago, in 2008, Beijing presented the Summer Olympics and is staging the Winter Olympics this year – becoming the first city in the world to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
Andrea Bocelli said, “It is a great joy for me to collaborate with two extraordinary Chinese artists – the soprano Lei Jia (who was a happy surprise for me) and the pianist Lang Lang: a dear friend, with whom making music is always a moment of great artistic enhancement. As an artist, I believe it is my responsibility to be able to speak to everyone’s heart. It was an honor to be able to give my modest contribution to the most grand sports event on earth.”
“A musical gift to the Winter Games”
Lang Lang added, “The song is very beautifully written which strikes a chord with my heart. I hope it brings people together around the world through its wonderful harmonies and uplifting message. Andrea and I have worked together on many musical works before and Lei Jia has also been a good friend of mine for many years. It is a pleasure to work with them to present a musical gift to the Winter Games.”
Lei Jia noted, “To me ‘Forever You and Me’ is an echo or recollection of Beijing Summer Olympics 14 years ago. It also calls out an image of Beijing as world’s first dual Olympic city. The melody is warm and touching, the lyrics evoke Chinese culture. We’d love to share our passion for the sports of snow and ice with everyone in the world. I believe the song will stay in the hearts of people around the globe.”
Composer Shu Nan explained, “China has changed a lot in the past a decade or so. Beijing became the first city in history to hold the Games in two seasons. I’ve been thinking, how can I unfold our story and embrace the world? My answer was to combine national and international in my composing. I’m so thrilled this song has brought together Lei Jia, Andrea Bocelli and Lang Lang to work together, making it a musical gift to Beijing Winter Olympics.
Long-time collaborators Zhang Heping and Shu Nan believe ‘Forever You and Me’ reflects the traditional Chinese philosophy of “the ultimate truth shall be of ultimate simplicity”. The song is an ode to Olympic spirit – peace, friendship and unity, calling for togetherness, co-operation and hope.
- Πηγή: udiscovermusic.com
