Over 1500 singers belt out haunting rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”
Do you know that feeling when a song like “Piano Man” comes on in a bar or restaurant and a few people start to sing along and you think “wouldn’t it be cool if EVERYONE started singing”?
No, just me?
Well, if one of your daydreams is the kind of happiness and unity that a massive sing-a-long might provide, you should look up the duo that created Choir! Choir! Choir!
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Sadly, since singing is one of those things that also cause us to spit (unintentionally) in great unison, their next get-together is probably going to be postponed for a while thanks to COVID-19
However, they are hosting online events called Choir!ntine!
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And watching their videos is a great way to spend some time, even if singing isn’t your thing.
The “band” was formed in 2011, when Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman (aka “DaBu”) decided that the world needed a bit more music. That’s when they started their creative community endeavor in Toronto, Canada.
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At first, they used a beloved local bar – but it closed last year. However, it’s really the videos from their massive tour outings that give us the chills.
Filling theaters and other spaces with thousands of people for the pleasure of singing along together is such a unique and special idea.
Guests at their shows are given a setlist and lyrics sheet at the door and then before the music starts, DaBu teaches the audience about the vocal arrangement.
While you can check out performances on their YouTube page, we wanted to draw your attention to one particularly beautiful tour stop at the Luminato Festival in Toronto, Canada back on June 11, 2016.
In an abandoned industrial building that was once the Hearn Generating Station (which has amazing acoustics), 1500 people joined the duo and a special guest to sing the Leonard Cohen hit “Hallelujah.”
Now, Cohen is the master, but many people have a favorite cover of the song by one of two artists – Jeff Buckley or Rufus Wainwright. Both are incredible, but Buckley is no longer with us (though we prefer his version). During this tour stop, however, the band and audience were lucky enough to have Wainwright join in and lead the way!
The haunting video “Hallelujah” has now been viewed over 11 million times.
People of all ages joined in to sing the tune together and it’s hard not to get emotional while watching it.
“This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. The song itself is of course fantastic, but the weaving of Rufus’ voice with the choir’s makes it truly transcendental. Thank you so much to everyone involved. My life would be poorer without your talents,” said one commenter.
Those in quarantine or lamenting the state of our country or world in 2020 were deeply touched.
“I’m here in my house during quarantine and I’m watching my favorite things. I’ve probably watched this video a thousand times and this time I cried harder than ever. Strangers coming together and making something beautiful.”
But you really have to experience it for yourself, so be sure to scroll down below to watch the spine-tingling show.
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Source: CHOIR CHOIR CHOIR via Facebook, @choirchoirchoir via Instagram, Choir! Choir! Choir! via YouTube