World in Union
"World in Union" is a theme song for the Rugby World Cup. The song's lyrics are by Charlie Skarbek, set to the melody "Thaxted" by Gustav Holst.
Skarbek was commissioned to write the song by World Rugby for the 1991 Rugby World Cup, held in England. It was first performed by New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, and has since been performed and recorded by various other musicians.
The song's melody, "Thaxted", was originally written in 1914 as the middle section of "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity", a movement from Holst's orchestral suite The Planets. Although the melody was originally wordless, it was later adapted as a hymn tune by Holst for its use in the 1921 British/Anglican patriotic hymn, "I Vow to Thee, My Country", using words by Sir Cecil Spring Rice. The melody has subsequently been paired with numerous other religious texts and secular lyrics.
Kiri Te Kanawa version
Kiri Te Kanawa recorded the first version of this song for the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Her version peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, No. 5 in Ireland, and No. 10 in New Zealand.Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Ladysmith Black Mambazo ft. PJ Powers version
For the 1995 Rugby World Cup a version of the song was recorded by Ladysmith Black Mambazo featuring PJ Powers.Shirley Bassey and Bryn Terfel version
and Bryn Terfel released a version of the song on 11 October 1999. It was performed live by both artists at the opening ceremony of the 1999 Rugby World Cup on 1 October 1999, with Bassey wearing a gown designed on the Welsh flag. Three versions are featured on the single: a duet with Bassey and Terfel, Bassey's solo version and a version which features the choirs only. The duet version is performed partially in Welsh by Terfel. The official video was filmed at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff and features various other Welsh landscapes. The single reached No. 35 on the UK Singles Chart in October 1999.UK 3 track maxi CD single
- "World in Union" – 3:42
- "World in Union" – 3:45
- "World in Union" – 3:45
- Shirley Bassey – vocal
- Bryn Terfel – vocal
- The Black Mountain Male Chorus – choir
- The Morriston Rugby Club Choir – choir
- Robert Fardell and Charlie Skarbek – backing singers
- The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra – orchestra
- Llio Rhydderch – Welsh triple harp
- Troy Donockley – uilleann pipes
- David Thomas – drums
- Simon Hale – orchestral arrangements
- Tim Rhys-Evans and D. Huw Rees – choral arrangements
Hayley Westenra version
The Official Album track listing
- World In Union – Hayley Westenra
- Swing Low '99 – Arr. C. Skarbek/ T.R. Evans – Russell Watson, Royal Choral Society
- Land of My Fathers – Fron Male Voice Choir
- Ireland's Call – Brian Kennedy, Paul Byrom
- Scottish Medley – Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
- Jerusalem – The Coldstream Guards Band, Alfie Boe
- Glorious – Mary-Jess
- Now's The Time – Luigi Corvi
- Calon Lan – Katherine Jenkins
- O Verona – Only Men Aloud
- Pokarekare Ana – Hayley Westenra, Francois Rive, Robbie McIntosh, Metro Voices, Te Tau Choir, Jenny O'Grady, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Ian Dean
- Waltzing Matilda – André Rieu, Mirusia Louwerse
- We'll keep a welcome – Bryn Terfel, Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, Gareth Jones, The Black Mountain Choir, The Risca Choir
- Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika – Kenyan Boys Choir
- Men of Harlech – Fron Male Voice Choir
- God Defend New Zealand – Hayley Westenra
- The Fields Of Athenry – Máiréad Carlin
- Cwm Rhondda – Bryn Terfel, Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, Gareth Jones, The Black Mountain Choir, The Risca Choir
- La Marseillaise – Roberto Alagna
- Swing Low – All Angels
- World In Union – Hayley Westenra
- Kakari – Qube
Paloma Faith version
Kiyoe Yoshioka version
For the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the song was recorded by Japanese singer Kiyoe Yoshioka. This was also included on her debut solo album Utairo.ITV used a version recorded by Emeli Sandé for their 2019 World Cup coverage.