Van and Sankofa Unit Combine ‘We Are the World’ and ‘Heal the World’ in Paris
Van leads a Paris street performance combining “We Are the World” and “Heal the World” with piano, choir, cello and drums.
His upload identifies the medley and credits the Sankofa Unit Choir as part of the ensemble. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
The description credits Charles Gaugué on cello, Stéphane Avellaneda on drums and Lou-ise Kim as the featured singer. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
Performers and listeners share the public square, creating an open setting around the music. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
The full recording follows how the two songs and instrumental parts develop together. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
Watch the performance
Familiar phrases from both compositions give the medley more than one melodic source. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
Piano provides a harmonic thread beneath the singers and other musicians. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
The choir adds a collective vocal texture beyond the featured line. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
Cello offers sustained melodic color, while the drums contribute a continuing pulse. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
The different parts need coordinated timing to form one connected arrangement. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
Listeners remain visible around the performance, giving the square a live audience. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
The mashup turns two well-known songs into one prepared public presentation. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
Julien Cohen’s Bohemian Rhapsody flashmob is another Paris street-music performance. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
His “Carol of the Bells” flashmob presents a separate arrangement and group. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
The featured recording remains centered on Van’s two-song mashup and credited ensemble. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
The full video keeps the voices, instruments and public setting together. The recording keeps this moment connected to its full setting. Hearing the complete sequence shows how the musical details connect.
More videos to explore
Julien Cohen’s Bohemian Rhapsody flashmob is a separate musical event.
His “Carol of the Bells” video features another public ensemble performance.
Further reading: Performance background and source. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B0dT5MYHDo
