Ode to Joy , BBC Proms 2009 - Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

On Tuesday 18th August 2009, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain played to a sold-out Royal Albert Hall in London, with over 6000 audience members, and well over 1000 of them bringing ukuleles to join in with Beethoven's "Ode to Joy".
If you want to join in at home, the sheet music can be downloaded via the links below.
All 5 Parts - www.ukuleleorchestra.com/pdf_...
Melody Tab GCEA Beginner - www.ukuleleorchestra.com/pdf_...
Melody Tab GCEA - www.ukuleleorchestra.com/pdf_...
Melody Tab ADF#B - www.ukuleleorchestra.com/pdf_...
Melody Notation - www.ukuleleorchestra.com/pdf_...
Counter Melody Tab GCEA - www.ukuleleorchestra.com/pdf_...
Counter Melody Tab ADF#B - www.ukuleleorchestra.com/pdf_...
Counter Melody Notation - www.ukuleleorchestra.com/pdf_...
Tutorials on each part are available on our KZbin channel: • Playlist
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Book your tickets to see the Ukulele Orchestra live!
bnds.us/0ywuqa
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- LINKS -
Website: www.ukuleleorchestra.com
Merch: www.ukuleleorchestra.com/inde...
Facebook: / ukuleleorchestraofgb
Twitter: / theukes
Instagram: / ukuleleorchestra
TikTok: / ukuleleorchestraofgb
Bandsintown: bnds.us/0ywuqa

[@UkuleleOrchestra]

This clip is taken from our DVD "Prom Night: Live at the Royal Albert Hall". The performance is now available in digital format, rent and stream the full performance here > www.ukuleleorchestra.com/world-service-episode-05

[@auroraalmeida3190]

I saw only today this magnificent performance. I love it so much!

[@RWBHere]

Is this a world record?

[@brunoboaz7656]

And every ukelele player that attended that performance left with the feeling of what it is truly like to belong to a tribe. That is the most beautiful part of it all.

[@gabitamiravideos]

Not to mention the one who didn’t play, but hummed and later clapped!

[@SimplyJ888]

First time I've seen a concert where audience encouraged to bring their own instruments. I had no idea this orchestra existed! Glad to discover them!

[@Goatman333]

They are still going strong...and they ENCOURAGE audience to bring their ukuleles! Their US tour 2020 was unforts cancelled - but watch this space: www.ukuleleorchestra.com/index.php/upcoming-events/

[@DGaryGrady]

@@Goatman333 They did make it to the US in 2018 and one can hope for a visit in 2021. By the way, I highly recommend this clip from their appearance in Hamburg, Germany back in 2012 when they introduced the members at the time and then did a condensed version of Last Night of Proms featuring ukulele versions of Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia, the former involving a sea of waving arms (a sort of octopus folk dance) and the latter sung by a helmeted Queen Boudica (or Boadicea if you prefer) brandishing plastic trident and a Roman shield.

[@Beatlefan67]

If you get the chance - DO go and see them. Tickets sell out very quickly and we've only managed to get to see them 3 times. Mind you, the first time was a small gig in Sherborne Dorset before they really 'took off'.

[@williamhughes9559]

My Mother N Law introduced them to me a few years ago on Utube with their version of The Good Bad and the Ugly theme song. It got me to playing the Uke myself. I would love to see them in concert, unfortunately when I saw they were touring America Santa Fe was the closest they came and from Phoenix it was just to far.

[@Bunny99s]

@@williamhughes9559 Right, the whole "Anarchy in the Ukulele" concert is brilliant. Though in case you haven't seen all the lockdown stuff they did in the last two years I recommend to check it out. One of my favourite cover from those sessions is Lovecats (The Cure cover).

[@georgedowd5277]

...and I thought “Heroes” was my favorite video. THIS is absolutely (ridiculously) the greatest live performance like NO other. Just think of all those people, for the rest of their lives they will never forget this moment, and can truthfully tell everyone they know “I played The Royal Albert Hall!!”

[@georgedowd5277]

...no seriously... think about it... the story would sound like total BS... “I played Ode to Joy on Ukulele at The Royal Albert Hall...” Your friends would be like “....you did not, you’re full of it...” (Yes, I “replied” to my own comment. Because THIS WAS THE COOLEST THING EVER!!!)

[@G6JPG]

Yes, group participation in such an event is unforgettable. My Dad could say something similar: "I sang with Shirley Bassey at Cardiff Arms Park". OK, him and about 10,000 others …🙂kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6vHm4Wvn7mHqMU

[@monicautano_lesson9544]

Tears came down to see how people love to connect get together. Hoping we can sing and play the ode to Joy deep from our heart. Thank you for many beautiful entertainments.

[@robertaswanson5633]

I got teary, too....for the same reason....It was so simple and yet so touching.

[@niranthbanks3595]

As did I.

[@ecvdiejen]

"Music connects people" :)

[@grahamswindell4191]

Don't know why, but tears of comfort and joy from me too. A fabulous piece of deepest meaning from such a composer who understood the reality of humanity, played by musicians who are at one with that meaning. Of course it could be bettered, at least potentially. But not without a huge sacrifice

[@noranori1716]

This video always makes me get emotional... In times like this, with so much hate, antisemitism, racism and Corona, hard hearted people without an empathy let refugees down at European borders, watching the power of music, bringing people together in love and joy - thank you all for making the World a better place...All people should be brothers and sisters, hopefully never forget this important message.... 💖✊💖

[@mariakelly90210]

EXACTLY, Nora!

[@ragamuffinukes2779]

Ukulele players are the absolutely BEST happy cheerful peeps in the whole world! When I first saw these folks (especially since they were British, with a profound sense of humor), I fell in love with ukulele even before I had learned anything... NOW i'm a seasoned player and I love jamming with them...

[@judithmaryhill4862]

LOVE the way the audience shared in the performance. Videos like this can only promote UKULELE sales around the world 😍😍😍😍😍

[@davidyoung5114]

I had the priviledge of seeing the U.O.G.B. in Liverpool, Nova Scotia at their inaugural Ukulele Ceiligh in 2006, and when they were introduced and the gentleman held up his guitar and stated 'This IS a ukulele!', I called back...'It's on steroids!' which got a big round of laughter from the audience. At a reception after the show, I rather sheepishly went to the gentleman with the guitar and apologized for up-staging him, but he turned out to be grateful for my comment. He said it was a great ad-lib, and that he'd keep it in the show. I always wondered if he did keep it in. What a talented group of musicians they are!

[@cogidubnus1953]

Wonderful example of how good people, good will and good music can help bring the world together

[@helfgott1]

Its a cold winter lots of snow and....i feel happy listening to u Stay healthy Greets from bavaria We together will make it

[@weedle30]

*sob* oh the deep joy of seeing all those people - before Covid 🥺😰- in the Royal Albert Hall - being “as one”, playing along with their ukeleles and having so much fun and the joining in of the “sing song” at then end... *large lump in throat* - .... let us hope and pray for the day when we can all get together again in mass celebrations at concerts and theatres and celebrate the joy of music and performers ... and hope it’s soon...

[@SH1974]

OUTSTANDING ! I wish I was there, screaming "I am an ukulele Player!" through the Royal Albert Hall and play my Instrument somewhere in this crowd. Still KZbin gives me GOOSEBUMPS!

[@PC-kd7dj]

I have loved this song since I first heard it a quarter century ago. I have enjoyed the UOGB since I first heard them a decade ago. This ensemble of performers is the one I first heard. It is great to see Kitty Lux in this performance. This was such a novel performance in that the audience didn’t just clap, or hum, or sing along to the music as are often done, but they played along with their own instruments! It was a moving experience to see and hear on KZbin; I can only imagine what it must have been like to experience it live! It inspired me to put together this timeline: 1785 -German poet Friedrich Schiller wrote this ode. 1824 -German composer Beethoven set the ode to music as the final movement of his Ninth Symphony; since then it has been performed around the world (a few notable performances are listed below). 1972- Beethoven’s music was adopted as the "Anthem of Europe”. 1980s -Demonstrators in Chile sang the piece during demonstrations against the Pinochet dictatorship. 1985 -The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain is founded. 1989 -Chinese students broadcast the tune at the Tiananmen Square protest. Also that year it was performed on Christmas Day after the fall of the Berlin Wall. 2009 - the UOGB (and ~1,000 accompanists) perform this song in concert at Royal Albert Hall. 2011 in December after the tsunami and annually thereafter - it is performed in concert in Japan. 2012 -the first flashmob performance of this song was held in Sabadell, Spain (available on KZbin). 2017 - it was played at French President Emmanuel Macon’s victory address. 2020 - the UOGB has continued performing in lockdown during the pandemic bringing music and humor and joy to its audiences! Thank you Schiller, Beethoven, and UOGB!

[@normangale3159]

Oh what a joy it would have been to be there, just for that. It is so incredible that some many people have come to love the Ukulele.

[@jeanjames518]

Please come and perform on oahu. We love your music. Auntie Jean

[@osilva2367]

The Ode to Joy! What a joyfilled time. Looking forward to the time we can enjoy these monents in person, together and joyful💜

[@paigegarrison6721]

Talk about a truly Ode to Joy! I can feel the love, even today! Thank you, y’all! ❤️🎶

[@fionamessenger7660]

I loved how some of the promenaders started singing the words - true classical nerds. It made for an incredible atmosphere - wow what it must have been like to be there. I was quite moved - the uke can be beautiful.

[@osilva2367]

Loved this too. Missing singing with 180 others in chorus!

[@Mark.G475]

My 14 year old cat Fiona says hi from Milwaukee 😀

[@michaelpriday4830]

Watching this I could not help breaking into song, Ode to Joy is compulsive....

[@mariakelly90210]

@@Mark.G475 Hello, Fiona!

[@Blumenkatze]

How wonderful seeing all this people playing peacefully together! I wish we would have such great events in Germany.

[@oldcrow6990]

I needed to see this. Thank you. It gave me chills. The world needs more joy right now.

[@sammo3969]

Oh, what joy! Never seen/heard sooo many ukuleles (instruments) in 1 sitting.

[@SH1974]

This was amazing! Ukulele Orchestra, You are so inspiring! Wish You all the best!

[@indigoziona]

Genuinely brought a tear to my eye! How wonderful!

[@2Sheds30619]

Just fantastic as usual, and that smile on Kitty's face at the end, beautiful and brought a tear to my eye

[@edwardcharlesworth5192]

UO never fails to make me smile....thank you one and all .

[@timcampbell921]

Fantastic. Something about watch big fellas finding a way to play such a small instrument that makes me smile and as demonstrated by the audience, a lot of other people too. The light humming in the final stretch was a nice touch as well.

[@danielkokal8819]

like watching a grownup ride a tricycle. humorously cute and endearing.

[@offrainc6455]

A part of me is laughing madly at the idea of Beethoven listening to his symphony played by so many wrong instruments... The other part thinks that he would see the joy his music brought to all the people in the hall, and he would love it. Still bringing joy today - and a few tears as well. It's a beautiful performance. The public spontaneously humming and clapping is a powerful moment. Many thanks to all the people who made this performance possible - on stage, in the hall, behind the scene... And thank you for sharing this video ^^

[@andrewmartin6954]

Beethoven was known to be very fond of the guitar, which he regarded as a miniature orchestra. The uke is a close relative.

[@bolaakintoye7365]

Well it's not called Ode to Joy for nothing😂

[@G6JPG]

I've often thought most of the really great composers would be pleased with what people have done with their creations (I like to think Bach would like Sky's version of Toccata, for example, though the drum solo might bemuse him!). As you say, the joy of lots of people here should please anyone.

[@avictorbell2835]

Only the English are eccentric enough to do something as mad as this Long may it continue 😊

[@DGaryGrady]

I hear they go out in the midday sun.

[@lucylucas1290]

ever heard of russia

[@DGaryGrady]

@@lucylucas1290 Good point! Here's a brilliant flash mob performance of what you might call Putin on the Ritz from the Swallow Hills area of Moscow on 26th February 2012 -- outdoors in February in Moscow! -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZLGlp-kjZiJibM . It's in celebration of a wedding. Even more bonkers, a popular marching song for multiple branches of the Russian military is the Spongebob Squarepants theme: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJnYq5VpjLKhqsU

[@thebuilder1222]

What a lovely sight to see, audience participation. Brilliant!

[@robertrocknrobradigan7677]

That was really, really fun. Wonderfully enjoyable.

[@unterwant]

when good music enters the hearts of people they all beat together in the end wonderful !!!!!!!!!

[@hortondlfn1994]

BRILLIANT! Absolutely brilliant!

[@jq4t49f3]

Maybe sometimes humans can actually be quite nice...

[@monabhatt7314]

Great V original Sleep well Ludwig

[@CaptainM792]

Maybe one day humans can finally unite under one single banner. Imagine how strong humanity would be when united, we could colonise other worlds, maybe even several star systems.

[@OrangeTabbyCat]

M Lau you sound like you have watched too many Marvel movies 🤣🤣🤣

[@Lisajones143]

We got to see them in person and they were amazing!!

[@richardturner6981]

Bravo 👏 I never heard this played on the ukulele before. Interesting and enjoyable. I think i might have played this on the piano when i was a kid.

[@SirWeasel]

Wonderful! It was about that time when I first learned about the UO! It was pure luck that I tuned in on the radio and heard this concert here in Vienna, Austria. What can I say Christmas 2009 I got my first ukulele! :-) I can remember I ordered both this concert and the Anarchy in the UK DVD from your website. I really was happy to see you live here in Vienna in 2018! Stay healthy everyone!

[@pauldavies6037]

How wonderful the humble ukulele has created this Ude To Joy indeed a wonderful experience

[@LadyMarie880]

Now that was so cool😀❤👍

[@heinhtet7110]

I was even crying. Bravo!!!

[@angebrowne1730]

Thank you. Again, I would never have imagined. Well done.

[@hereward6771]

Absolutely ridiculous. Hats off all round!

[@benmartin9538]

This is still so awesome!

[@Spitalhatch]

So much joy! Beautiful!

[@haroldellis9721]

This is joy.

[@GertrudeHenn]

Simply moving and fantastic - thanks a lot ... see you in Wiesbaden in May 24

[@hardytube1000]

Fantastic 👏 I hope to see you september in Hamburg 😃

[@denisesheehan9189]

Fantastic!!

[@margotblanchette3767]

Ukulele a beautiful instrument. Love listening to Pacific Islanders playing, particularly the Samoans with the double strumming. This performance here is great. Always enjoy the mad Brits.🤣❤❤🌹

[@mikeaudette2823]

Joyous! Harmoniously Joyous!!!

[@unacucciola]

Fantastic! I wish I were there with you all

[@MyPoetik]

Thats superb 😍 what a sharing guys omg 😊

[@granskare]

Ode to joy was used as our 1956 graduation march where we changed tassels from one side to the other. This was just a high school thing. USA

[@helfgott1]

love it, u make my life better i feel good NOW,thank u only british can do THIS u are the best of so called great britain

[@judithmaryhill4862]

AND Promote your group's generosity of spirit to share the stage 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@humbertotrachuk8438]

Hermoso, y muy bella música, un abrazo de MZA.Argentina.

[@doreenvilla830]

Absolutely love this💗💗💗

[@slywlf]

Absolutely delightful! It just goes to prove that music and joy are universal!🥰

[@njits789]

Look at all those people together...

[@garys5175]

Wow! Spectacular!

[@geoffreyhattersley9186]

Just wish I had been there!

[@annapodolska75]

Amazing 👏👏👏♥️

[@markattardo]

🤯👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏That was awesome!

[@DoctorT327]

Beautiful !

[@bloodlore00]

What a Gem!

[@baskervillebee6097]

Ukulele = Joy 😊

[@Singapom888]

It is ridiculously moving. Magical.

[@davidosims]

I look forward every day of the lockdown to another dose (or two or three or four...) of the UOGB - a shot (or more) of incredible joy. Thanks for being! I'm eagerly anticipating your cover of the Justin Trudeau hit, "Speaking Moistly."

[@mneill719]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGWbZ6VvbLehsLs

[@RFM0421]

Aplausos!! Eu também tenho um ukulele e aaamo!

[@davidshaw5979]

Lovely..many thanks..stay safe..

[@northupupgrages09]

So wonderful 💖

[@ipponax]

Only one word: MARVELOUS 💕

[@norfitz]

Beautiful

[@keetrandling4530]

This makes me so happy!

[@MonkPetite]

😂🤣😂👏👏👏 freakin’ awesome.. this is funny and so well done 👍🏻

[@Beatlefan67]

It's a beautiful thing... thankyou so much!!!

[@mjazz9017]

Beautiful just beautiful….peace…harmony …love….❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jayjohnson7827]

I wish that I was there to hear this live.

[@stephenpegum9776]

Simply priceless!! 😎

[@verapipoca]

Real GREAT! Thanks.🌻🌻🌻

[@flamingfrancis]

What a great conclusion with the clapalele being played by all.

[@alanmorgan8647]

The second best Ode To Joy EVER! Beaker from the Muppets being the best, obviously.

[@andreamilek2626]

Brillant!! Geniuses!!

[@doncatchpole]

Good show.

[@jamespasifull3424]

I feel so left out! I can only play this on my 🎸 I must get my ukelele out & practice more!!

[@mariontl6764]

Wow that was Wonderful !!

[@joylane5560]

Wonderful!

[@mariamustermann6527]

Is it ever sung with the lyrics? They are already tricky in German and I just checked the English translation. I am not a Ukulele, but a Mandolin Player - another underestimated instrument. Greetings from Germany

[@OrangeTabbyCat]

I am also,German. I learned the lyrics by heart in fifth grade because I wanted to.

[@imjelo]

I am singing Row Aktinson's lyrics. 😄

[@mistermike9688]

Pure joy!

[@snurfsnurf5572]

Brilliant!

[@laepus]

Why am I crying? I am not crying...

[@1479andy]

Wow great fun love it

[@jgeglz]

Awesome!

[@paulsimon6687]

magic, pure music

[@SeanVplayer]

When do we get to see George's ukulele collection? I'm sure it must be an amazing collection. Willie Nelson's main guitar has a hole worn in it from years of play. I wonder if George has a similar ukulele at home. Thanks for the play along. Stay safe. Cheers!

[@calumhunter815]

wonderful.

[@321bytor]

Turned out nice again

[@mariaelbasotillo871]

Que maravilla! Me sacaron lagrimas de la emoción! Momento hermoso!!

[@lsmith9249]

l love Ode to Joy

[@Budcat101]

make a joyful noise unto those shut in or dying!

[@stevedearden1799]

Im glad this caught in the archives, I fear for the future of Britannia.