Inside the magnificent Amiens Cathedral in northern France, hundreds of bagpipers joined English singer Emma Brown for a deeply moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the First World War. The extraordinary performance took place in July 2018 as part of the United Pipers for Peace gathering, marking the centenary of the war’s final year. Standing beneath the soaring Gothic arches, Brown’s haunting opening vocals echoed through the thirteenth-century cathedral before the powerful sound of massed bagpipes transformed the atmosphere into something truly unforgettable.
The musical arrangement built layer by layer, creating a remarkable contrast between one delicate voice and hundreds of traditional instruments. According to Brown, her singing was followed by Pipe Major Tom Jamieson before the massed pipers and drummers, led by Drum Major Derek Dean, brought their full force to the beloved hymn. Organised by the French band Samarobriva Pipes and Drums, the gathering united approximately 400 pipers from numerous international bands. As the stirring melody filled the vast cathedral, musicians from different countries came together in a powerful musical tribute to peace and remembrance.
The scale of the occasion was remarkable. Musicians from Scotland, England, France and elsewhere in Europe travelled to Amiens to participate in the commemorations, bringing together traditional Scottish pipe bands, Breton bagads and individual performers. The magnificent cathedral, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provided a breathtaking backdrop for the gathering. Located close to the battlefields of the Somme, where hundreds of thousands of soldiers lost their lives during the First World War, Amiens was a particularly meaningful setting. More than a century after those terrible events, the sound of bagpipes reverberating through its ancient stone walls offered a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by an entire generation.
The history of “Amazing Grace” stretches back long before this extraordinary performance. English clergyman John Newton first published the hymn’s words in 1779, although they were not paired with the familiar “New Britain” melody until an American songbook appeared in 1835. The hymn later became closely associated with Scottish bagpipes, particularly after the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards released their instrumental arrangement in 1972. Their recording spent five consecutive weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart, introducing millions of listeners to the unforgettable sound of massed pipes performing the timeless melody. Hear the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards’ famous arrangement of “Amazing Grace”, accompanied by beautiful views of the Scottish countryside.
For Emma Brown, performing in such an extraordinary setting was a fitting reflection of her distinguished musical background. Raised in Nottingham, the English singer studied music at the University of Cambridge before continuing her education at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, where she studied singing and composition. Her career has included opera, concerts and musical projects exploring the themes of war, remembrance and reconciliation. In 2019, she released Echoes of War, a recording project reflecting her continuing interest in music’s ability to connect people with the experiences of earlier generations. At Amiens, her clear, expressive voice provided the perfect opening to an arrangement that would eventually fill the cathedral with hundreds of instruments.
Since appearing on YouTube, this breathtaking performance has attracted more than 7.6 million views, introducing audiences around the world to a remarkable act of musical remembrance. What makes the recording so special is the extraordinary contrast between Brown’s gentle opening vocals and the overwhelming sound of hundreds of bagpipes joining together in harmony. The magnificent setting, the deeply familiar melody and the shared purpose of the musicians create an experience that transcends national boundaries. As we observe Remembrance Sunday, this unforgettable performance serves as a moving tribute to those who gave their lives during the First World War and a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of remembrance, unity and peace.