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November 2010

Global artists unite to ‘Give Peace a Chance’

In a world first, Australian organisation peacebeliever® has been given permission to re-release a new version of John Lennon’s, ‘Give Peace a Chance’ in English and Spanish to raise money for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF).

In a project involving more than 20 musicians and 100 children collaborating from around the world, peacebeliever® has embarked on a historical journey to release a new version of the timeless classic, adding not only an additional verse, but also a new language.  

Historically, the iron clad policy for John Lennon’s songs has been that no new lyrics were permitted. In 2010, which marks the 30^th anniversary of his assassination, peacebeliever® has obtained the rights to the song from John Lennon’s estate. John would have also celebrated his 70th birthday on 9th October this year.

Cuban royalty Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club® are joined by Newton Faulkner, alongside Australia’s own Tim Freedman, Katie Noonan, Natalie Pa’A’Pa (Blue King Brown) and Don Spencer in this ground breaking project.

Omara Portuondo, one of the original singers from the Buena Vista Social Club box office hit film, appears courtesy of Montuno. Herb Armstrong, grandson of Jazz legend Louie Armstrong also lends his sizable talents.  

A very good cause is needed to bring this calibre of collaborators together; peacebeliever® is confident it has the right one – the ACMF.  peacebeliever® founder Yolanda Vega says that ACMF was her first choice to donate all profits of the peacebeliever project due to her experiences as a migrant child in Australia.  
 
“When I first arrived in Australia from Spain with my parents in the 70s, I was unable to grasp the English language. It wasn’t until I started watching Play School and singing the songs that I started to learn how to speak English.
 
“I believe that music is very important in the development of any child. Knowing that 75% of children in Australia don’t have access to music during their education not only saddens me, it alarms me.
 
Founded by Don Spencer OAM, the ACMF inspires and enriches the lives of Australia’s youth through the power of music. Providing free musical instruments and weekly tuition for the Juvenile Detention system and disadvantaged schools, are among the many initiatives of the ACMF. peacebeliever® seeks to assist ACMF with additional resources and teachers to continue their work.

“Integrating this many artists into the one song using two languages is a dream come true. Our goal is to work with ACMF to as many music teachers into schools as we can.”

“I am confident that Australians will react well to this song, you can’t help but smile and dance to it”, says Yolanda. “At this time of the year, when peace and giving is at the forefront of our minds, I am confident Australians will embrace the song and support the ACMF.

The song will be available for purchase on iTunes and www.peacebeliever.com.au from 8 December 2010. All profits will be donated to ACMF.

To arrange an interview or obtain a copy of the song please contact:

Georgia McKay or Mandi Lebbos

Horizon Communication Group

P: 02 8572 5600

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