The links between sport and music are obvious - from fans singing in stands to national anthems being played before games, sport without music just wouldn't be the same. To celebrate what would become the best attended and watched women's EURO football championships ever, the British composer Shirley Thompson OBE in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra composed 'Beautiful Game'.
Thompson is a prolific composer and educator based in London, who has been commissioned by world-leading organisations over the past 20 years. Her symphonies, operas, and pieces have commemorated key moments in world history including the 250th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in Britain, 100 Days of Barack Obama's Presidency, and Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee.
'Beautiful Game' itself, was performed around the country, with various events centered around the anthem itself and encouraging the participation of all in celebrating what would become England's first European Championship tournament win.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has made backing tracks, scores, and lyrics available as free downloads here if teachers and educators are interested in exploring music created for the tournament which has become another important moment in British history for many different reasons.
Congratulations to the Lionesses!
Free Royal Philharmonic Orchestra resources can be found here: