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Pete and Rachel Townshend discuss their new musical and literary collaboration, The Seeker. In the video Pete shares some incredible and never before heard stories about his life, his music and his journey.
Authored and composed by Rachel with additional music and lyrics by Pete, it brings to life the Hesse novel Siddhartha in a brand new and beautiful way. You can see it live in London at a one-off show on November 6th at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane.
This special event seen the performances by Pete Townshend, Alfie Boe, Bollywood superstar Sunidhi Chauhan, South African multimedia artist Nakhane, and Layton Williams, together with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Chamber Choir of London. The performance was narrated by the voice of beloved actor Christopher Plummer and will be conducted by Robert Ziegler, with music arranged by Martin Batchelar.
THE SEEKER
Wednesday 6 November 2024, 7.30pm
Theatre Royal Drury Lane - London
Robert Ziegler Conductor
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Chamber Choir of London
Tickets for the global premiere of ‘The Seeker’ are on sale now. Get yours for the special one night-only performance here The Seeker
The book is narrated by the late Christopher Plummer, and features performances by Pete Townshend, Sir Elton John, Nakhane, Emeli Sandé, Layton Williams, Sunidhi Chauhan and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and choir. The album features additional music and lyrics by Pete Townshend.
The project will be launched by a podcast series featuring conversations with guests including Pete Townshend, Aurora and more, followed by the album and illustrated novel to be released simultaneously on 7 November 2024. Members of the album cast, together with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and choir, will perform the music at a special concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 6 November, with tickets on sale from early September.
The Seeker music was recorded at Angel Studios in London and stars Pete Townshend as The Ferryman, South African multimedia artist Nakhane as Siddhartha, Sir Elton John as Kamaswami, Emeli Sande as The River, Bollywood star Sunidhi Chauhan as Kamala, Layton Williams as Siddhartha’s son, Tyrone Huntley as Govinda and Biddu as Siddhartha’s father.
The illustrated novel features stunning artwork by Emelia Wharfe, and the limited edition will include a double vinyl of the album with original artwork, with a general trade edition also being published and the music also released as a standalone vinyl edition and on all streaming services.
Rachel Fuller said: “The creation and realisation of The Seeker in musical and book form has been part of my own spiritual journey.
This collaboration with the musical artists, orchestra, choir, the illustrator, Emilia Wharfe, and the beloved Christopher Plummer has created something truly magical – far exceeding my original vision for the piece. I feel truly blessed to be a part of it and hope that the story resonates with listeners and readers in today’s world, where we need the energy of love, peace, and hope more than ever. Music and art has been and forever will be universal.”
George Edgeller, associate publisher at Universal Music UK, said: “The Seeker is an enchanting piece of musical and literary storytelling featuring a dazzling array of artists. We can’t wait to share Rachel’s creative vision of a book and record to be experienced and enjoyed alongside each other with fans of this timeless story across the world.”
