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Damon Albarn could direct opening ceremony of 2012 Olympic Games
Amar SinghUpdated 09:09am on 24 Sep 2009
Damon Albarn is in the running to be artistic director for the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, it was claimed today.
Park life: Damon Albarn
The award-winning Blur and Gorillaz frontman has held talks with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Albarn, 41, who grew up in Leytonstone near to where the Games will take place, worked with artist Jamie Hewlett to create the animated title sequences and music for the BBC's coverage of last year's Beijing Games.
Another name in the frame is Oscar-nominated director Stephen Daldry. The 48 year-old whose films include Billy Elliot, The Hours and The Reader, is believed to be the preferred choice of much of the arts establishment.
The appointment is expected to be announced in the New Year.
Reader views (3)
I have a few ideas as to who should light the couldron in London in 2012, who do I pose the ideas to???
- Ruth Millar, North Delta ,Canada, 18/02/2010 02:58
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How do i get on the Olympic committee opening ceremony creative team? Someone contact me. You don't want thinks to end up like the Millenium opening of the Dome, heed the warning in Stephen Poliakoff's Friends and Crocodiles....you need unknown mavericks....not state manipulated art....but,true visionary creatives who have walked the length and breadth of Britains cultural, historical and geographical landscape for four decades and pull images and scenarios out of a hat and make them resonate with and open a shared cultural memory envelope that rings true first to natives of this Isle, and consequently will ring ture, (if somewhat quirky) with the rest of the world. Vote for an unknown with fantastic, ideas.
- Anthony Leatham, London, 02/01/2010 20:40
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After going to see Monkey, Journey to the West Albarn's recent Opera/ Theatre spectacle, this must be greeted with massive cheer. Visually the show was astounding. He must be the right choice. Daldry is talented, but Albarn's work is unique, modern, rich and delightful - especcially when he works with Jamie Hewitt. Please let this colalboration loose on 2012, it MUST happen.
- Nick S, Peterborough, 25/09/2009 09:16
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