London Gay Men's Chorus (LGMC) will release their version of Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water to support victims of the Orlando nightclub gun attack earlier this month.
The adapted version, which moved thousands of Londoners gathered at a vigil in Soho earlier this month , was released on June 24 to raise money for the Orlando Victims fund and LGBT anti violence charity Galop.
Footage of the performance, which took place after a two-minute silence to remember those who were shot down in a homophobic attack in Florida, was shared on getwestlondon 's
page, and was viewed 340,000 times, liked by more than 4,000 people and shared more than 6,250 times.
Boroughs across the city adorned buildings with rainbow flags on the day of the vigil.
Multi coloured balloons released into the air from the Soho vigil
Just hours before the attack at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando took place, LGMC recorded Bridge Over Troubled Water in preparation for their forthcoming album, which celebrates the choir's 25th anniversary.
But following responses to footage posted online from their performance at the Soho Vigil, the LGMC decided to release the track early to raise money for victims of the brutal attack - and for victims of LGBT hate crime in the UK.
Speaking about the release, LGMC artistic director Simon Sharp said:"The attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando sent shockwaves through the whole LGBT community.
"The LGMC responded in the only way we could - through song.
"We were truly overwhelmed by the public response to our performance at the Soho Vigil and want to do everything we can to raise money for the victims of the Orlando attack and for victims of LGBT hate crime in the UK.
"We had recorded Bridge Over Troubled Water for our forthcoming album. It's a song that has taken on new meaning for us as a chorus but we hope it sends out a message of love and support to all of our LGBT brothers and sisters and our straight allies across the world."
Chairman of the LGMC, John D. Carrion added:"The LGMC believes passionately that music has the power to heal and to inspire, to lift souls and to unite people in times of joy and sorrow.
"We understand how vital it is that the LGBT community has access to safe and supportive spaces – community groups such as the LGMC, bars and clubs – as a sanctuary. A place to express yourself and your identity.
"A place to call home. The Orlando attack was an act of hatred directed towards the LGBT community and we want to combat this hate with a message of love, hope and solidarity."
Arranged by Fred Broom, with orchestrations by Simon Nathan, Bridge Over Troubled Water features the Orion Orchestra with Lana Bode on piano.
Formed in 1991 by nine gay men coming together to sing at Angel Tube Station, the LGMC has grown to become Europe's largest male voice choir with over 200 singing members. T
The LGMC regularly performs at concert halls around London as well as conducting education workshops in schools to combat homophobia.
This digital only release is available to purchase or stream on all major platforms including iTunes , Amazon Music, Google Play , Spotify, Deezer and Tidal.
