MANTRA is a song for our times: A statement of intent to overcome prejudice through togetherness…
MANTRA is the closing track of Voices for Reconciliation, a Contemporary Requiem (see below). The track was especially written for Rodney Earl Clarke. ‘Mantra’ is a statement of intent to overcome prejudice through togetherness, a parallel to the unifying message promoted by the world of sport. The song explores Rodney’s extraordinary vocal range and allows him to express the message as a figurehead narrator, inspiring the audience to come together and strive to make a genuine difference at a crucial point in history; a time where we can build the World we wish to live in. Rodney’s voice calls for a ‘better world together’, a “safe and equal space” where all can “raise their heads with pride”. Sport has an essential role in realising the goal of creating a “Mantra” to live our lives by, elevating voices from throughout society in the process, Rodney is the ideal Ambassador to promote this message with his work, not only as a distinguished Musician, but also as an advocate for racial equality.
On Saturday 13th February, Rodney will sing the National Anthem at Twickenham Stadium ahead of the Six Nations clash between England & Italy.
Rodney Earl Clarke – Baritone
Hailed by Gramophone as a “singer to be watched”, Rodney Earl Clarke is recognised for his versatility in performance. Born is South East London, Rodney enjoyed performing at an early age.
Encouraged by his Jamaican parents and surrounded by three brothers and a sister, Rodney knew from early on that his singing voice was to be a huge part of his life.
From his days as a choir boy at St. George’s Cathedral in Southwark to being a baritone at home with the music of 1930-1960 Broadway, Rodney has appeared in many shows including Carmen Jones at the Royal Festival Hall, London, Jude Kelly’s award winning production of Bernstein’s On The Town, Kenneth Branagh’s epic film version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Sondheim’s 80thBirthday Celebration Prom, The Broadway Sound BBC Prom with the John Wilson Orchestra, Jake in Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle and Crown in Porgy & Bess under the direction of John Doyle with the Royal Danish Opera in Copenhagen. He starred in Raymond Gubbay’s popular show Crazy for Gershwin which regularly toured the UK and also performed many times on BBC Radio 2 Friday Night Is Music Night, most notably in the David Jacobs Tribute Concert alongside Michael Ball, Gary Williams and Hannah Waddingham.
Having overcome the challenges of having a stutter, Rodney also devotes his time to helping others who face challenges in their communication and speech, using the power of singing to guide them towards greater fluency and confidence in his online platform Singing Speaking.
Anthony & Gaynor Sadler – Composers
Anthony and Gaynor Sadler are one of the UK’s most renowned composing teams. Both are graduates of the Royal College of Music London. Anthony studied Composition & Harmony with Herbert Howells, Guitar with Michael Jessett, Advanced Composition and Improvisation Techniques and Aural Training with John Lambert and Conducting with Dr Ruth Gipps; Gaynor studied Singing with Redvers Llewellyn and Margaret Cable, Piano with John Lamport, Repertoire with Sir Roger Vignoles, Advanced Composition, improvisation Techniques and Aural Training with John Lambert.
During their career they have worked with many of the great film directors: Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Mike Newell, Jon Amiel, Martin Campbell, John Dykstra, Ken Russell and Michael Radford, to name a select few.
Anthony & Gaynor have written the sound-tracks to over 3,500 Television Commercials and have won scores of awards for their work including 16 Golds, 36 Silvers and 24 Bronzes across D&AD, BTAA, LIAA, Creative Circle and Royal Television Society, several Clios and Cannes Lions, Gold & Silver Discs, an Ivor Novello (Nomination), a Sony Radio Gold and a BAFTA.
Anthony and Gaynor have worked on hit records as writers, producers and guest artists, with such British acts as Kelly Marie, Talk Talk, Spandau Ballet, ABC, Yes, Orange Juice, Brian Kennedy, Rock legend Suzi Quatro; French Stars Alain Barriere and Francis Cabrel; Spanish Superstar Juan Pardo, Japanese Chart Institution Seiko and the ‘Golden Voice of Prague’, Karel Gott.
Voices for Reconciliation
Created by Award-winning Composers Anthony & Gaynor Sadler, Voices for Reconciliation is a Contemporary Requiem; an original recording and concert work mixing text, songs and poems spanning three millennia and drawn from different cultures, continents, and epochs. In line with its message promoting Universal Reconciliation, the music is a tapestry of sound woven from Classical, Contemporary and Global influences.
Voices for Reconciliation is of approximately 90 minutes duration and scored for 4 Vocal Soloists plus a Narrator, Chorus & Orchestra.
Voices for Reconciliation is ‘Accessible Opera’: Produced and performed to the highest standard, it is suitable for use in Education, with Youth Groups, Choral Societies, on the Concert Stage, in the Theatre and places of Worship.
Voices for Reconciliation is Classical music that is available to all.
About 20 years ago I was utterly ‘shocked’ when a rather mumsie middle aged woman who was trying to revive her sex life with her husband told me that with or without a partner, a gloriously hot bath full of bubbles, surrounded with a multitude of candles and dimmed lights was the answer to any maiden’s prayer.
I think I was more surprised that this lady of around 50 was having any sex at all, but now that I am approaching that age myself am far more sympathetic to her revelation.
A beautiful bathing experience is not only good for your sex life, it is also wonderful for your wellbeing, can help you to think and sleep – especially if you have a long luxurious soak just before going to bed.
I have also been reading about how more and more people are getting back into bathing as their relaxation regime, together with meditation and love this quote from health guru Gwyneth Paltrow:
“I take a bath every single night – unless I’m somewhere where there is no bathtub, I started getting really into taking baths when I was probably 22-years-old and did my first movie in London. It’s such a kind of damp cold there, a bath is the only thing that gets the cold out your bones. So, I started taking baths every night – and then I came home and I just never stopped.”
I decided to put this to the test recently as I had been waking up earlier every morning and having difficulty in getting back to sleep. My restlessness had increased with the colder weather, as Gwyneth had said, the damp air in the UK does something to the bones when you reach a certain age, and I was amazed at the difference a late night bath made to my sleeping and indeed my increased energy the following day.
It also felt incredibly pampering, far more than a shower which is refreshing but far less nurturing. It gives you thinking time, and somehow it is a stress free zone where you can really unwind. It also gives some well-earned ‘you’ time.
Going back to the disclosures of my lovely ‘Mumsie’ middle aged friend, Gwyneth is not the only movie star who sang the praises of the Bath Tub, and not just to keep warm, Hollywood Icon Marilyn Monroe who was the epitomy of ‘Sexy’ made bathing sensuous and beautiful in the famous bathtub scene in Seven Year Itch back in the fifties.
Starring Olivia Newton – John, Gene Kelly & Michael Beck
Xanadu rolled into the 1980’s and inspired the roller disco era
Music by Electric Light Orchestra & John Farrar
Xanadu title track was a UK No 1 smash hit for Olivia Newton-John & ELO
Synopsis
Step into a magical world with superstars Olivia Newton-John (Grease) and Gene Kelly (Singing’ In the Rain and An American in Paris) as they take Xanadu! Xanadu was Gene Kelly’s last movie appearance.
A beautiful muse is sent from above to inspire struggling artist and help motivate him to open a roller-disco. The dazzling soundtrack includes songs by Electric Light Orchestra and John Farrar such as Magic, I’m Alive, All Over the World. Throw on your roller skates, turn up the volume and enjoy this out-of-this-world fantasy!
The films amazing choreography scenes were created by Kenny Ortega who was also responsible for the classic dance sequences in ‘Ferris Buller’s Day Off’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’. Kenny also worked with Michael Jackson on his tours and directed the ‘This is It’ Tour.
The Don’t Walk Away sequence in the film was directed by animation Director Don Bluth (An American Tail & All Dogs go to Heaven).
Gene Kelly involvement with the film the famous 1940’s dance sequence with Olivia was filmed after the film had wrapped. It was a closed set only for Gene, Olivia, Kenny and the cameraman and soundman were present on set no one else.
Olivia was thrilled and nervous to be dancing with the legendary Gene Kelly.
Kenny Ortega had to convince Gene to be in the film as he had doubts about being in Xanadu, this was to e Gene’s last appearance in a movie. Gene agreed to have a one-off meeting with Kenny. Kenny’s enthusiasm and knowledge of Gene’s dancing and movies won over Gene. After the meeting Gene became Kenny’s mentor and friend for the next 20 years. Kenny Ortega is now revered as one of Hollywood’s top dance choreographers.
Gene’s character name of Danny McGuire was the name of his character in one of his first starring roles from the 1940’s movie ‘Cover Girl’ which also starred Rita Hayworth and Phil Silvers.
The Film won Best Film Song, at the Ivor Novello Awards accepted by Jeff Lynne
Xanadu had a new lease of life in 2007 when the story was adapted to a new stage production which was premiered on Broadway in New York. Danny McGuire role was played by actor Tony Roberts who has appeared in many of Woody Allen films including Annie Hall. The production was nominated for several Tony Awards.
There was also a stage production of Xanadu which appeared in London at Southwark Play House in 2015.
Bonus Features
· Going back to Xanadu: A retrospective documentary featuring the cast and crew discussing the making of Xanadu and its lasting legacy.
October 12, 2026 1860 Elmer Sperry 1872 Ralph Vaughan Williams 1929 Magnus Magnusson 1935 Luciano Pavarotti 1942 Melvin Franklin 1944 Angela Rippon 1948 Richard Parfitt 1954 Les Dennis 1967 Susan Tully
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