News

Seven Worlds, One Planet – LIVE in concert: Review

Published

3 years ago

April 5, 2022

When Seven Worlds, One Planet – the seven part documentary series from the BBC Natural History Unit narrated by David Attenborough – debuted in 2019, its breathtaking filming of animal behaviour and natural scenery across the seven continents was the pinnacle of Natural History cinematography. There were plenty of standout moments featuring creatures big and small. Who could forget the incredible drone footage of Humpback Whales feasting on krill in Antarctica, or the mating rituals of the tiny Jotus spiders in Australia?

Imagine then the absolute luxury of watching these incredible scenes unfold in front of you on a giant state of the art 4K Ultra HD LED screen… with a live orchestra and choir to deliver the highly emotive musical score by Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and Jacob Shea for Bleeding Fingers Music, to accompany the outstanding imagery.

Last week, the highly anticipated UK concert premiere of the Seven Worlds, One Planet came to The O2 Arena in London for one incredible night only. This rescheduled date (previously planned for December 2021 but postponed due to the pandemic) was ably hosted by BAFTA winning British explorer, Naturalist and TV presenter, Steve Backshall, accompanied by the very best hand picked musicians that make up the specially created Seven Worlds Symphony Orchestra & Choir, conducted by Matthew Freeman.

As you watch the series on television, it’s easy to let the musical score drift into the background but when you hear it played live by an orchestra, the music completely takes on a life of its own. This is not merely a support act. The bass and the heavy percussion pounding in your chest brings a whole new level of drama to pivotal edge of your seat moments such as hunting scenes. The staccato woodwind section beautifully mimicking the dancing and frivolity of quick stepping birds and insects.

There were so many exceptional moments where the talented musicians and singers took you away with the moment, deftly increasing the emotional intensity of the film sequences.

The scene in which the tiny albatross chick desperately tries to get back up into its nest, having been almost swept away in a storm, whilst its parent sits imperiously above, was a heartbreaking and incredibly anxious heart-in-mouth moment, made all the more intense by the attacking percussion. The palpable relief, matched with soaring strings, as the fluffy chick was safely returned below its Mother’s belly was immense… and a huge collective sigh went around the auditorium. This was an experience all the more powerful for being shared. We had all been through the emotional wringer for four minutes. We needed some light relief and moments such as the hilarious chubby-cheeked hamsters in Austria – accompanied by jaunty strings and woodwind – provided just that.

At first it was easy to miss the narration of the wonderful soothing tones of David Attenborough alongside the imagery, but this allowed the music to take on a greater importance. Steve Backshall’s introductions to the individual film clips were spot on, giving enough information to set the scene and allowing the viewer / listener to be carried away in the moment of the film, uninterrupted.

By far the most memorable moment of the night was when the incredibly talented solo vocalist Michelle John gave a spellbinding performance of the song “Out There” – a unique collaboration between multi-award winning Sia, Chris Braide and Hans Zimmer for the television series. Michelle John, a top flight singer, writer and vocal coach who became known to those outside of the music industry as a finalist in The Voice UK in 2017, has one of the most exceptional voices I have heard… and as the compilation of highlights from the whole series played in full cinematic beauty behind her, this was the moment of the night that really took your breath away.

Over 1,500 people worked on the Seven Worlds, One Planet series, which was filmed over 1,794 days, with 92 shoots across 41 countries. Many of the film makers were in attendance at the live concert and as a celebration of their work, this absolutely hit the mark. As a celebration of the incredible power and beauty of Mother Nature, this concert excelled.

No-one who left the O2 last Thursday was left in any doubt of the dual magnificence and fragility of our natural world and the absolute necessity that we all need to step up and protect it. As Steve Backshall said at in his final words of the night – “We’re all in this together.” Before it’s too late…

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News

Palau Resurfaces! Visit Us at boot 2025 in Duesseldorf and Discover Why!

Published

10 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Team Scubaverse

Following a period away, Palau – a dream destination for countless divers – is excited to rejoin the boot water sports show in Duesseldorf, Germany.

This prestigious water sports show, taking place from January 18 to 26, 2025, provides Palau with a platform to showcase its unique offerings in diving, snorkelling, and sustainable tourism.

Located in the western Pacific’s Micronesian region and part of the Caroline Islands, the Republic of Palau comprises over 340 picturesque islands. Although small in landmass, Palau is a natural wonder both above and below the water.

Palau is renowned as a global leader in environmental conservation. Years ago, the nation implemented forward-thinking measures to preserve its natural resources. In 2009, Palau became the world’s first national shark sanctuary, banning commercial shark fishing. To further protect its marine ecosystem, home to over 1,500 fish species and about 700 coral species, Palau established a fully protected marine sanctuary spanning 193,000 square miles in 2015.

Palau’s return to the boot shows marks a significant moment for the island nation, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Visitors to the Palau booth will discover a vision of sustainable tourism, as environmental stewardship is deeply ingrained in the islanders’ way of life.

“We are thrilled to return to Germany and share the beauty and diversity of Palau with the world,” says Kadoi Ruluked, Managing Director of the Palau Visitors Authority, who will lead the delegation at the trade show. “boot provides an outstanding platform to position Palau as a premier destination for sustainable tourism and a true paradise for underwater adventures.”

Amid growing global efforts toward eco-friendly tourism, Palau continues to set benchmarks with initiatives such as the “Palau Pledge.” By signing this pledge, visitors commit to respecting and protecting the environment during their stay. These and other measures will be highlighted at the event to raise awareness of marine ecosystem conservation.

The boot water sports show offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Palau’s culture and natural beauty while planning unforgettable diving and snorkelling trips. The Palau Visitors Authority warmly invites all attendees to explore their booth and experience the unspoiled charm of Palau.

Learn everything there is to know about this extraordinary destination at
Hall 12, booth nr. E42.

The exhibition runs from January 18 to 26, 2025, in Duesseldorf.

For more information or to schedule interviews and meetings, please contact: Judith Hoppe, WhatsApp: +49-151-5523 1966, e-mail palau@tourism-unlimited.com

For more information about Palau, please visit: www.pristineparadisepalau.com or follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/visitpalau/ or https://www.facebook.com/pristineparadisepalau/

Photo credit: © Judith Hoppe

Gear Reviews

Gear Review: SurfEars 4

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2025

Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown

Let me get this out there at the start… it is not possible for me to write an unbiased review on SurfEars! Why? – because they saved my diving career. That may sound over-dramatic, but it is true. I had been told by my ENT specialist that I should stop diving. Repeated perforations, including a stint of 4 infections causing ear drum ruptures in a single year, meant that things looked very bleak. Until a friend recommended that I get in touch with the team at SurfEars and to try them out.

That was over 5 years ago, and I have not looked back. Not a single ear infection in all the dives since. If you want to read my initial review of SurfEars then you can find it here: https://www.scubaverse.com/gear-review-surfears/

So, I was more than pleased to receive the latest SurfEars 4 to try out. I took them on a recent trip to The Bahamas where I was filming for a new project all about sharks. SurfEars come in a handy pod that I secure to my BCD so that I am sure not to forget to take them on the boat and to put them in before I head into the water. The new model comes in 2 new colours and have a range of fittings to ensure a perfect fit. Once in, you can still hear what is going on around you. Vital for any last-minute instructions for your dive.

SurfEars

Underwater they do their job in keeping water out. It is still just as easy to equalise the pressure, as air movement is not restricted at all. The new fittings mean that I can change to a slightly smaller fitting to wear under my hood for cold water diving. Once in, I just forget all about them, and enjoy my diving (snorkeling and swimming) with complete peace of mind.

The new version of SurfEars is now using recycled ocean plastic and repurposed silicone so are more eco-friendly. They are said to be even tougher and will last longer. Although my previous set were still going strong.

Whatever your chosen water sport – I cannot recommend SurfEars enough. Whilst they literally enabled me to continue diving, I would suggest using them to protect your ears before any unwanted trips to the doctor. I never go in the water without them. They are at the top of my packing list for any trip.

For more information head to: https://surfears.com/