Natural World:
A Global Choral Celebration of Sir David Attenborough's 100th Birthday
Overview
We are celebrating the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough's in May 2026 by coming together in our communities to sing. It's a groundbreaking three-layered musical experience currently in development which aims to create a living soundscape of connection and re-wilding. This is a participatory song that celebrates his work and echoes the message of his ‘Witness Statement’ of 2020:
We are part of the natural world—and together, we can make a wonderful sound. Our song is a unique celebration of one of the world’s most beloved naturalists.
How to Participate
Making It Possible for Everyone
A celebration is about joy—and singing together. We are bringing communities across the world together to sing in thanks to Sir David Attenborough and for our beautiful, natural world. To participate we ask you to film yourselves (landscape not portrait please) singing the song and then send the video to us. If you don't want to sing the entire song you can simply sing a small section. If you'd like to do this please email us here: [email protected] We can send you mp3s, sheet music etc and guide you as to the process.
A celebration is about joy—and singing together. We are bringing communities across the world together to sing in thanks to Sir David Attenborough and for our beautiful, natural world. To participate we ask you to film yourselves (landscape not portrait please) singing the song and then send the video to us. If you don't want to sing the entire song you can simply sing a small section. If you'd like to do this please email us here: [email protected] We can send you mp3s, sheet music etc and guide you as to the process.
Entry Requirements
Singing together reminds us we are part of a global community. Everyone is welcome—no special singing skills required. Your voice will become part of a mighty chorus.
'Natural World' - A Song that takes the words and message of Sir David:
Here is the song, recorded at Pete Townshend's studio (generously donated) with the Cecil Sharp House Choir, a choir of regular people, drawn from the community:
Contact Us
The project is evolving, and more information will appear here. If you’d like to participate, email us at: [email protected]. Your information will not be shared with third parties. This project is undertaken entirely with volunteers donating their time, everyone is a fan of Sir David Attenborough and of the natural world.
Partners and Supporters
We’re grateful for support from legends like Brian Eno and Pete Townshend, as well as organisations doing extraordinary work, including Make Music Day, The Great Imagining, and Earth Percent. Below are excerpts from interviews with Brian and Pete about how nature shapes their own work.
Our Team:
Pete M. Wyer
Composer
Pete is a composer and musician from England. He has created scores for the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Juilliard, Welsh National Opera, The Crossing, BBC Television, BBC Radio and the Royal Opera House as well as creating eight operas and music theatre works for festivals and international touring.
Much of his work is inspired by the natural world and by a desire to use technology in ways that help create community. His immersive installations have attracted over 500,000 visitors in places such as New York Botanical Garden, The Wild Center, Descanso Gardens (LA), Manitoga and others.
Bill Hoffman
Operations
William Hoffman brings more than twenty years of experience working at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and the arts. As a former World Economic Forum leader, he guided initiatives on responsible technology and sustainable development while integrating artistic practice into policy work. William believes that engaging diverse voices through the arts is essential for addressing complex challenges in more inclusive, human-centered, and effective ways.
Sarah Main
Science Liaison
Sarah has spent her career at the interface between science and politics.. She began her career as a research scientist in cancer biology and later moved into roles with the Medical Research Council, Government, and the Campaign for Science and Engineering, and now works for the scientific publisher, Elsevier. Sarah also loves music and has sung in choirs and bands, and played in orchestras, so she is delighted to be involved in this project.
Sarah is a fellow of the Royal Society of biology, honorary professor at UCL, a trustee of the foundation for science and technology and the association of medical research charities.
Celia Qu
Video Editor
Celia Qu has worked as a corporate videographer, a digital imaging technician and a camera operator, with indies such as Nutopia, Silverback Films and Plimsoll.
Qu’s editorial instincts set her apart: “She’s pulled master interviews and cut dog pod scenes for broadcast with minimal guidance, earning praise for her wit and pacing,” says Five Mile head of production Emily Assael.
“Her fine-cutting skills, refined through daily feedback, now deliver near-flawless edits, which is testament to her precision and ability to absorb notes.”
Managing director Nick Mirsky attests: “Celia cuts with the care, professionalism and feeling that you would want from any great editor.”
