Bursting onto the online world right now are some wonderful remotely recorded isolation collaborations to lift the spirits of humanity as we bunker down amidst this COVID-19 pandemic. Never is the arts more valued than in times like these. Imagine your hibernation without movies, TV shows, music and books! Not to mention the myriad of opportunities for online learning, listening to podcasts, watching recorded plays, musicals and previously unreleased archives from various arts institutions around the world.
Here are some of my favourite collaborations I have come across thus far:
All I Ask of You, Andrew Lloyd Webber with the Phantom London Orchestra.
After Andrew Lloyd Webber himself posted a video of him playing in isolation, members of the Orchestra at The Phantom Of The Opera individually contributed a video, audio or photo from isolation to show their support and respect for Andrew.
What a Wonderful World, The Aussie Pops Orchestra
While we’re all staying at home, the talented musicians of the Aussie Pops Orchestra, together with some amazing Australian artists, phoned in a song. The Aussie Pops Orchestra is helping to raise awareness for the charity www.supportact.org.au, an organisation dedicated to helping Australian musicians, singers and other music workers struggling to cope with the impact of the coronavirus.
One Day More, A Quarantined Lip-Sync
A bunch of Broadway fans does this wonderful lip sync rendition of One Day More from their confined locations.
You Will Be Found, Ben Platt and the cast members of the current Broadway and National Touring companies of Dear Evan Hansen
James Corden on his stay at home Late Show video, introduces original Evan Hansen, Ben Platt, along with cast members from the current Broadway and National Touring companies of “Dear Evan Hansen” to perform “You Will Be Found – a song that has hit home for him during the coronavirus situation.
One Day More, by a family in lockdown in Kent, UK
Ben and Danielle Marsh and their four children changed the lyrics of One Day More to reflect common complaints during the Covid-19 lockdown. They say the video, which has gone viral, was intended to give friends and family a laugh during this stressful time.
Also by Anna Robb:
Mastering a Skill: The 10,000 Hours Rule
Advocacy for Mental Health even if you are OK