Elton John and The Who’s Pete Townshend are among the contributors to
. The multifaceted presentation is described as “a literary and musical reinvention” of Herman Hesse’s classic 1922 novel, Siddhartha.
will be released on November 7 as an illustrated novel and companion album. It was written and composed by Townshend’s wife, Rachel Fuller. The project was named after the classic 1971 Townshend-penned Who song.
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The presentation was narrated by late actor Christopher Plummer. It features performances by John, Townshend, Emeli Sandé, British actor/singer Layton Williams, South African singer/songwriter Nakhane, and Bollywood star Sunidhi Chauhan. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and choir provide the musical accompaniment. Townshend contributed additional music and lyrics to the project.
You can check out a snippet of the music from
at TheSeekerMusic.com.
’s release will be preceded by a podcast series featuring interviews with Townshend and others involved in the project. In addition, a special concert featuring members of The Seeker’s cast, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and choir, performing music from the album will be held on November 6 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London. Tickets for the show will go on sale in September.
A limited-edition version of
featuring the book and a two-LP vinyl set will be available. The book and the two-LP album also will be sold separately. In addition, the album will be available via digital formats.
book features illustrations by Emelia Wharfe.
Project
project actually dates back more than five years. The album was recorded at Angel Studios in London. Townshend is featured as The Ferryman, John as Kamaswami, Nakhane as Siddhartha, Sande as The River, Chauhan as Kamala, and Williams as Siddhartha’s son.
Fuller’s Statement About the Project
“The creation and realisation of
in musical and book form has been part of my own spiritual journey,” Fuller explained in a statement. “This collaboration with the musical artists, orchestra, choir, the illustrator, Emilia Wharfe, and the beloved Christopher Plummer has created something truly magical–far exceeding my original vision for the piece.”
She added, “I feel truly blessed to be a part of it and hope that the story resonates with listeners and readers in today’s world, where we need the energy of love, peace, and hope more than ever. Music and art has been and forever will be universal.”
About the Book Siddhartha
The novel Siddhartha is set in India and Nepal. It tells the story of a man who goes on a journey of spiritual enlightenment, while following the Buddha’s teachings. Along the way, he meets various characters who impart knowledge to him.
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