Carol Thorns releases heartfelt tribute to loss with ‘Amazing Grace'
Image: Anita Olckers
In a poignant tribute to lost loved ones, award-winning South African cellist Carol Thorns has released a new single and music video that captures the essence of grief and healing. The piece, a beautifully rendered version of the timeless hymn 'Amazing Grace', emerges from a deeply personal experience of loss that Thorns endured in 2024.
'I lost not only my mother and my 'second mother' (my aunt), but also two very close musician friends: singer Zami Mdingi and composer/producer Helmut Meijer,' Thorns shared. 'My heartache felt too much to bear. During that period, the only thing that brought me comfort was playing my cello.' Her connection to "Amazing Grace" served as a refuge in her time of sorrow, leading her to create a version meant to resonate with those also struggling with grief.
Collaborating with renowned Australian pianist Kev Lee for the arrangement and South African producer Konstand Spies for the recording, Thorns found herself overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the final edit of the single. Realising the profound impact the piece could have, she decided to film a music video to visually express the heartfelt sentiment encapsulated in her rendition.
The music video was filmed in a candlelit chapel at The Sanctuary, an enchanting island-chapel located at La Roche in Franschhoek. With the challenge of capturing the serene ambience while contending with Disney-like wind gusts, a team readied 600 candles, determining not to let the elements disrupt their emotional expression. 'Although it all looks perfectly serene on camera, the wind was gusty, and we scrambled to tape closed the gaps around windows and under doors,' Thorns explained. 'Yet, incredibly, not one person spoke throughout the recording. It was an extraordinary experience.'
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Thorns' heartfelt message of solace found immediate resonance with audiences. The very first feedback she received was from a listener who shared, 'I'd phone you to tell you how absolutely beautiful your 'Amazing Grace' is but I'm sobbing my heart out. My mom died in October last year… and I'm trying to find a way to make peace with it.' This response deeply moved Thorns, showcasing the power of music as a connector during shared periods of mourning.
'It brings me a sense of peace to know that this song and video bring comfort to others,' she said. 'I have been a musician for many decades, and this moment in time has made me feel truly connected to the bigger picture— the ineffable bond we share as humans in our collective experiences.'
Celebrated as a trailblazer in the electric string genre, Thorns' artistry has enthralled audiences around the globe. Her innovative projects like The Bubble, CODA Africa, and the visually stunning Galaxy Dress have established her as a creative force in the music scene. Notably, her solo album 'Sanctuary' received a nomination for the 2023 South African Music Awards (SAMA), further highlighting her influential standing in the industry.
Having shared the stage with icons like Vanessa Mae and Elton John, and performed for the likes of J Lo and John Legend, Thorns continues to elevate the profile of the cello on a global scale. Her electric cello has wowed audiences across various regions, leaving a memorable impression with each performance, including her recent act at the Bidvest Gala Dinner in Reykjavik, Iceland.
The release of the 'Amazing Grace' video demonstrates that Thorns not only captures the musical essence of hope and healing but also embraces an important dimension of human connection in our shared journey through loss.
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