Guy Sebastian's Song chosen for World Youth Day 2008

[Prinia]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/LGale/guychosen.jpg

This was the requirements of the song

The World Youth Day theme song competition is open to all Australian citizens. Lyrics must be in the four official languages of World Youth Day (English, Spanish, French and Italian), and music must be an original composition. The song is to be centered around the theme as selected by Pope Benedict XVI:

'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.' Acts 1:8

The composer whose song is selected will be flown to Rome and will later meet the Holy Father at the 2008 World Youth Day in Sydney.

Anyone who has been to a World Youth Day knows how powerful the theme songs are and the manner in which they indelibly stamp the event into your heart. I attended World Youth Day 2000 in Rome, and the theme song, Emmanuel, is still in my mind.
Michael & Katerina
Blog

I hope Garry Pinto his BV, great friend, (see youtube, Lets Stay Together at QV) had a hand in this one. He helped write Taller Stronger Better (youtube again, see the It Takes Two - original version).

btw - for clarification. When writers / composers write the songs, the first named always has the most input. Which is why Guy Sebastian's name is always first. For instance, he was given 8 bars of music several years ago, and a request for a new song, with 24 hours to go to calling the new album in. He took that 8 bars of music, took it apart, wrote, and about 10 hours later 77 tracks were winging their way to Scandinavia (I think Sweden, actually) and which took around 4 hours. Guy did all the work - but he was given the 8 bars of music. Hence the song would be Guy Sebastian, da da and da da. Which is the reason when the program was drawn up for the Opera House - all the first part of the program consisted of Guy's songs

[Prinia]

thanks to teensmum


News is spreading further...this time they've added Gary's creds wink.gif

Pity they can't spell Sydney in the UK rolleyes.gif laugh.gif

SIDNEY - 14 May 2007 -

Song by Australian star chosen for World Youth Day 2008

'Recieve the Power; - a song by Australian singer-songwriter Guy Sebastian has been chosen as the anthem for the XXIII World Youth Day in Sidney next year.

"We wanted a song that was stirring and uplifting," WYD08 Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP said. "Above all, it had to engage young people and capture the theme of World Youth Day 2008 ­ namely, that you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses."

"To put it simply, 'Receive the Power' hit the mark on every level. Clearly, Guy knew we needed a song that would inspire the young people of the world to take up Christ's challenge to go to the ends of the Earth and be His witnesses; for many people in the northern hemisphere, Australia is the ends of the Earth!"

A song competition for WYD08 drew more than 120 entries last year ­ many of them outstanding compositions in their own right ­ but the judging panel felt none quite delivered all the elements in a single package.

Several composers were then invited to submit songs for consideration, from which "Receive the Power" emerged as the favoured WYD08 theme.
A demo recording was delivered to the Pontifical Council for the Laity ­ the Vatican body overseeing World Youth Day preparations ­ which granted its approval and support when Bishop Fisher visited in April.

"The WYD08 theme had to measure up thematically and be anthemic - yet be easily sung by people of all language backgrounds," Bishop Fisher said.
"We are confident 'Receive the Power' will rally young Catholics of all backgrounds to World Youth Day in 2008."

Guy Sebastian came to prominence as the winner of the first Australian Idol in 2003. Since then, he has released three top five albums and seven top 20 singles, including three number ones.

Guy started writing songs for his church since he was 13 years of age and is a prolific songwriter.

In 2005, Guy was appointed Ambassador for World Vision and visited Uganda to shoot a documentary highlighting the issues of poverty and civil war and their impact on the population. Guy collaborated with singer/songwriter Gary Pinto in the final stages of the song.

Australian born of Indian heritage, Gary fronted the multi-platinum selling R&B band CDB in the 1990s before embarking on a successful solo career.
He has written songs for several Australian artists including Guy, Anthony Callea, Christine Anu, Jimmy Barnes, Jade MacRae, and American soul singer Taylor Dayne.
http://www.indcatholicnews.com/headline.html



I'm so pleased Guy got Gary in on this one. Gary is a Catholic, and hopefully Guy will be able to take Gary with him to meet the Pope. Gary is a fantastic person in his own right, quietly going around, helping people on the street, running youth areas, and is involved with so many other things. Besides being an awesome backing vocalist and a great singer in his own right (see youtube - Let's Stay Together Guy Sebastian - and Gary pinto)

[Prinia]

Just plopped a new link in the Philharmonic thread - if ure reading this. Am on the run, will get back to normal soon (hope and cross fingers, we have so much happening on the home front but it WILL slow down very shortly *thinks*)

Anyhoos

from the forum -


How about in french? ;)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php...558&lan=fra (http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=9558&lan=fra)

[quote]OCEANIE/AUSTRALIE - L’hymne des Journées mondiales de la jeunesse 2008 est choisi : “Receive the Power”
Sydney (Agence Fides) - L’hymne des XXIIIe Journées mondiales de la jeunesse (JMJ) de Sydney 2008 a été choisi : il s’intitule “Receive the Power” et a été composé par le chanteur australien Guy Sebastien. “Nous cherchions une chanson qui nous implique et nous inspire”, a expliqué le coordinateur des JMJ 2008, Mgr Anthony Fisher OP.
“Surtout elle devait être en mesure d’enthousiasmer les jeunes et de contenir l’essence du thème des Journées mondiales de la jeunesse 2008 : Vous recevrez la force de l’Esprit Saint qui descendra sur vous et vous serez mes témoins. La chanson de Guy répond à toutes les conditions requises : inspirer les jeunes du monde à accepter le défi de Jésus à le suivre jusqu’aux extrémités de la terre et être ses témoins”.
“Receive the Power” a été choisi après deux phases de sélection, qui ont pris en considération plus de 120 extraits. De même le Conseil pontifical pour les Laïcs, qui s’occupe de la préparation des JMJ pour le Saint-Siège, a manifesté son accord pour le choix de cet extrait. “L’hymne combine la nécessité musicale et les thématiques, et peut être facilement chanté par des personnes de toutes les langues. Nous sommes certains que Receive the Power résonnera et sera chanté par les jeunes catholiques de chaque pays pendant les Journées”, affirme l’évêque.
Le chanteur et compositeur australien Guy Sebastian est monté sur le devant de la scène en 2003. Il a commencé à composer pour sa paroisse quand il avait treize ans et a toujours uni à sa production musicale un élan moral. En 2005, Guy a été nommé ambassadeur de World Vision et s’est rendu en Ouganda pour filmer un documentaire sur les problèmes de la population dus à la pauvreté et à la guerre civile. Il a écrit des chansons pour de nombreux artistes australiens.

or PORTUGESE?
OCEANIA/AUSTRÁLIA - Escolhido o hino do Dia Mundial da Juventude 2008: “Receive the Power”
Sidney (Agência Fides) - O hino do XXIII Dia Mundial da Juventude (DMJ) de Sidney 2008 foi escolhido: intitula-se “Receive the Power” e foi composto pelo compositor australiano Guy Sebastian. “Procurávamos uma música envolvente e inspiradora” - explicou o Coordenador do DMJ 2008, Dom Anthony Fisher OP. “Devia ser, principalmente, capaz de entusiasmar os jovens e capturar a essência do tema do Dia Mundial da Juventude 2008: Receberão a força do Espírito Santo que descerá sobre vocês e serão minhas testemunhas.
A música de Guy atende a todos os requisitos: inspirar os jovens do mundo a aceitar o desafio de Jesus, segui-lo até os confins do mundo, e ser suas testemunhas”. “Receive the Power” foi escolhido depois de duas fases de seleção, que envolveram mais de 120 músicas. O Pontifício Conselho para os Leigos, que se ocupa dos preparativos para o DMJ, em nome da Santa Sé, manifestou seu consenso pela escolha desta canção.
“O hino combina necessidades musicais e temáticas, além de ser facilmente cantável, por pessoas de todas as línguas. Estamos certos de que Receive the Power será cantada por jovens católicos de todos os países durante o Dia Mundial da Juventude” - afirma o Bispo.
O cantor e compositor australiano Guy Sebastian subiu à ribalta em 2003. Iniciou a compor para sua paróquia quando tinha treze anos e sempre uniu, em sua produção musical, aspectos éticos. Em 2005, Guy foi nomeado Embaixador do World Vision e esteve em Uganda para filmar um documentário que enfrenta os problemas da população, devidos à pobreza e à guerra civil. Escreveu músicas para diversos artistas australianos.

or Spanish?

OCEANÍA/AUSTRALIA - Escogido el himno de la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud 2008: “Receive the Power”
Sydney (Agencia Fides) - El himno de la XXIII Jornada Mundial de la Juventus (JMJ) de Sydney 2008 ha sido escogido: se titula “Receive the Power” y ha sido compuesto por el cantautor australiano Guy Sebastian. “Buscábamos una canción que fuese atractiva e inspiradora”, explicó el Coordinador de la JMJ 2008, Mons. Anthony Fisher OP.
“Sobre todo debía ser capaz de entusiasmar a los jóvenes y capturar la esencia del tema de la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud 2008: Recibiréis la fuerza del Espíritu Santo que vendrá sobre vosotros y seréis mis testigos. La canción de Guy responde a todos los requisitos: inspirar a los jóvenes del mundo a aceptar el desafío de Jesús de seguirlo hasta los confines del mundo y ser sus testigos”.
“Receive the Power” fue escogida después de dos fases de selección, que tuvieron en consideración más de 120 canciones. También el Pontificio Consejo para los Laicos, que se ocupa de la preparación de la JMJ por parte de la Santa Sede, manifestó su consenso ante la opción de esta canción. “El himno combina necesidades musicales y temáticas, además de ser fácil de cantar por personas de todos los idiomas. Estamos seguros de que Receive the Power será tocada y cantada por los jóvenes católicos de todos los países durante la Jornada”, afirmó el Obispo.
El cantante y compositor australiano Guy Sebastian surgió con éxito en el año 2003. Inició a componer música para su parroquia cuando tenía trece años y ha siempre unido a su producción musical un impulso ético. En el 2005, Guy fue nombrado Embajador de la World Vision y se dirigió a Uganda para filmar un documental que afronta los problemas de la población debidos a la pobreza y a la guerra civil. Ha escrito canciones para numerosos artistas australianos.

these were taken from the Vatican news ......
Words spreading... :wub:


should mention - last APO Concert at the Arts centre last weekend. FABULOUS FABULOUS FABULOUS
got more of the husky 'velvety' voice that Jen21 mentions - and which I also liken it too - because Guy's been working all week in the recording studio. It was pretty evident he didn't have time to have rehearsal proper with the APO for Saturday night (had them ruffling their charts - he kept getting the song list a little muddled) and I suspect was a tad tired - but even then ppl were so enthusiastic, even the corporate lot who actually STOOD UP - something they never do . His voice was fairly husky to begin with so we missed a wee bit of the falsetto extraordinaire we got in Sydney but which apparently wasn't missed by those who don't know the heights he CAN get to, but we got more of the velvet so we didn't complain. And he HIT them with some of the Gospel. One woman's comment on coming out - "I was crying all through the Gospel section, it was nearly enough for me to start going to church"

ROFL!

[Prinia]

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/teensmum/Blog_Rob.jpg

from his blog (Rob?) above


Robert Galea
The Life of A Maltese Seminarian in Australia
http://robertgalea.blogspot.com/


I had a great week... flew to Sydney on Monday, recorded a song with some of Australia's best artists
(Guy Sebastian, Paulini, et al),....

[sadie]

Nice pics prinia......

[RushDog]

Nice pics prinia......

Yeah, I love John Belushi. He's great.

[kelly]

ten little indians

[Prinia]

12 green bottles

and he's East Indian heritage - mum Portugese, brought up in India, speaks Hindi and English

dad is Sri Lankan, lived in Malaysia, speaks Malay and English.

And he's never looked like Belushi to me, can't even vaguely see it. Prob. because I know what he looks like.

He's pretty scrumptious

Belushi never deserved that description

ROFL!

[Prinia]

mmm getting lots of flak for some reason - which is stupid, really. Just on the one site of course. ANyone here? I hope not, because its pretty nasty.

Look - Guy is a passionate CHristian, who has sung Christian songs all his life. He has a couple of uncles who are Pastors, his brother is in charge of one of the Ministries in the Paradise Church - as his full time job.

Guy has written music and gospel songs - many of them. He got this one. WYD is to be held in Australia next year. To me, it all sounds a good move.

I'm not sure why the so-called US (if that is REALLY the case, I might add. I am suspicious that they are more fans of other artists who want to continue the 'fight') are carrying on so much.

Personally - I love the Italian music, and I certainly don't wish Gwen Stefani or Akon to get in on the act. Unless you can convince me that they too have LIVED their lives deeply as Christians, with good, clean lives and ditto songs and videos and in other words EVERYTHING they do. I was not under the impression that WYD is totally US driven? Which it seems to be, in the site under question.

anyhoos... You should see and hear

guy sebastian - I Surrender All

if it is YOU who are objecting so ridiculously. Good grief! Its a song for WYD, and Guy will be launching it and singing it himself at the launch. It is supposed to be a song, however, that ALL can sing to.

[Prinia]

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/MMD2006/WYD_Poster14.jpg

both Paulini and Guy have been involved with Hillsong (try THOSE on Google) and gospel etc since their very early years. I'm glad Paulini is in it. I am finding it a bit strange that the actual Catholic Gary Pinto, who also wrote a bit of the song (came in at the end, brought in by Guy) doesn't appear to be singing. But I'll believe THAT after its over. He and Guy are major friends, have much in common (doing things for the homeless etc) and Guy always thought he was fantastic before he even got to know him, when Gary and his brothers were the band "CDB"

[Prinia]

adding a few links to Guys older gospel songs. 2004, for starters

Hosanna - written by brother Ollie Sebastian
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDUW1Qr15M8

Also on youtube - Adore, written by Guy Sebastian 2004 (Paradise Live - Adore album cd/dvd)

I'm trying to remember - he sang "Yet Will I Praise Thee" and "Jesus in You", both around the age of 17-18 I think. Long time ago now. Both are solos, on different albums. He won the Idol competition at the age of 22.

[Prinia]

MORE ON THE SAME LINES, media everywhere..

There will be NO hard copies (cds) sold, other than at venues. ie when the song is launched, in stalls and small shops there for the sole purpose of selling merchandise in conjunction with WYD

BUT downloads are available on dozens of download sites, including the WYD2008 site (as is the hard single, also)
-----------------
Anthem For WYD08 Inspires Young People To Be Christ’s Witness
“Receive the Power,” the anthem for the World Youth Day in 2008 (WYD08) has been described by the WYD08 coordinator, Bishop Anthony Fisher OP as capturing the theme for the world’s largest youth event to be held in Sydney next year.

By: Robert Williams
Christian Today Correspondent



“Receive the Power,” the anthem for the World Youth Day in 2008 (WYD08) has been described by the WYD08 coordinator, Bishop Anthony Fisher OP as capturing the theme for the world’s largest youth event to be held in Sydney next year.

Bishop Fisher set out the criteria for the anthem to be chosen. First the song must be stirring and uplifting, he said. More importantly the song must capture the theme for the WYD08, which in essence means the listener will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, he explained.

Bishop Fisher believed the theme song has matched those criteria. He said: “To put it simply, 'Receive the Power' hit the mark on every level. Clearly, Guy (Sebastian) knew we needed a song that would inspire the young people of the world to take up Christ's challenge to go to the ends of the Earth and be His witnesses; for many people in the northern hemisphere, Australia is the ends of the Earth!"

The writer and singer for the song will be Guy Sebastian, who has won the Australian Idol competition in 2003. Since then, he has released three top five albums and seven top 20 singles, including three number ones.

Guy started writing songs for his church since he was 13 years of age and is a prolific songwriter. In 2005, Mr. Sebastian was appointed Ambassador for World Vision and visited Uganda to shoot a documentary highlighting the issues of poverty and civil war and their impact on the population

[Prinia]

More news - Now - how to get a copy of Guy's song for World Youth Day 2008

thanks to Liz of Guy's OF
------------


Hi Elizabeth,



The song will be available to download - for free - on our website on the afternoon of Sunday 1 July.


But if you’d like an actual copy (with the cover, case, lyrics, etc), you’ll be able to buy it by clicking the WYD08 Shop icon on our homepage (also from 1 July).

It’s a great song – soaring and inspiring. Can’t wait for people to hear it.


God bless,


Jim Hanna

Director, Communications

World Youth Day Sydney 2008

Direct line: 61 2 9390 5914

Fax: 61 2 9390 5905

Mobile: 0414 828 629


SO! Hold off trying to get it before the afternoon of 1st July - give Guy and Paulini a chance to 'premiere' it first . This is the whole idea of a 'premiere'! :)

Here is the link to the WYD site:

http://www.wyd2008.org/index.php/en



It is not a Sony 'fault' and you can obtain copies but when the time is right- July 1st 2007

[Prinia]

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21954779-5006024,00.html

clickable link to Paulini and Guy video

Thanks to Irene, who has taken time to type the article out (same in almost all papers)

June 23, 2007 11:00am
GUY Sebastian has finally given voice to a gospel song, recording the theme anthem for World Youth Day 2008.



Sebastian wrote the song, which he sings with Paulini Curuenavuli, and it will be released over the internet next Sunday in the lead-up to the Catholic Church's event in Sydney next year.

"I am not Catholic as such, but I guess the fundamentals are in place, which is Christ-based faith,'' said Sebastian, who simply identifies himself as a Christian.

"I guess to write it just came naturally. It was one of the quickest songs I've ever written.''

Sebastian's Receive the Power was chosen by the Vatican as the official tune for the congress, which will be held in Sydney from July 15-20 next year. Pope Benedict XVI will make his first trip to Australia for the event.

More than 125,000 delegates, or 'pilgrims', from around the world and a further 175,000 from Australia, are expected to attend.

Sebastian is a World Vision ambassador and high-profile Christian, and grew up in Adelaide as a member of the Paradise Community Church.

"I have always been open about my faith,'' said Sebastian, who is now based in Sydney. ``I am pretty big on being honest and not hiding how I feel. Whether you are religious or not, you really have to stay true to your guns.''

Sebastian has often spoken of his desire to record gospel music. Though he's sung in many a church, this is the first time he's sung gospel music professionally.

Receive the Power will also be released in French, Spanish and Italian.

Sebastian and Curuenavuli will perform the song on World Youth Day and will launch the track in Sydney next Sunday.

Curuenavuli is also religious and was thrilled to be able to lend her voice to the project.

"I feel truly blessed to be a part of this amazing day and to have sung on this breathtaking, truly beautiful song,'' she said.

[Prinia]

also - now on you tube

Receive the Power Guy Sebastian

and can I say?

Denver 800,000
Toronto beat them :)

Rome 2,000,000

Manila 4,000,000

Poland, Germany ...........

and now Sydney

AND GUY DIDN'T HAVE THIS HANDED TO HIM

there was a call for the song from around the world and nothing really suited. So then a 1/2 doz ppl were asked whether they'd like to make submissions

AND GUY'S BEAUTIFUL SONG WAS CHOSEN

out of all these

:)

[Prinia]

Guy and Paulini
AND Gary Pinto




WYD 2008

he'll perform live twice at the official ceremony in Sydney - the first time on July 16 he'll perform with his band at Tumbalong Park again as part of the week long celebration and concert series to an expected crowd of more than 150,000!

The second time, on July 20, Guy and Paulini will perform the WYD08 song before the Papal address accompanied by a 150 piece orchestra and 300 piece choir on the biggest stage ever constructed in Australia.

This will be the single biggest event in Australian history and Guy will be performing in front of a live audience of approximately 500,000 and an international TV audience of over 1 billion.

All gigs are free so make sure you come along to see Guy perform this extraordinary event.



Receive the Power - Guy Sebastian, Paulini and a glimpse of the lovely Jules helping BV

[Prinia]

found by jen_iris, one of Guy's OF members
http://forums.guysebastian.com.au/index.php?showtopic=22080&st=0
for some photos and commentary,
http://forums.guysebastian.com.au/index.php?showtopic=22063

here are a couple of vids uploaded on youtube featuring snippets of performances and audio by Guy, Paulini and Gary on Friday night in Melbourne

*** Enjoy ***

*** Thankyou ... 'Days in the Dioceses' ***


YouTube - JCI Celebration Mass - St Pats Cathedral - 25 April

YouTube - JCI Celebration Mass - 25 April 2008


Guy said yesterday he'd only flown in from New York, landing Friday morning,


one photo included here
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w91/Bron_pics/0425082BFlinders2BEast2BMelbourn-1.jpg
it may be from someones blog site, not putting the rest as I know downloads / photos can be irritating. If you are interested in looking at the crowd, cathedral, Cross and Icon, please click on the urls provided above, including the youtube.