Harmonious features the work of more than 200 musicians including Luis Fonsi, Lindsey Stirling and American Idol finalist Danny Gokey

Aug 13, 2021 in "Harmonious"

Posted: Friday August 13, 2021 11:02am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

We are just under 50 days away from the debut of EPCOT'S new nighttime spectacular "Harmonious," and we are learning more about the music of the show.


The soundtrack for "Harmonious" was produced remotely through more than 100 separate recording sessions in nine different countries and five states. In total, nearly 240 musicians, artists, composers, arrangers, cultural consultants, and vocalists contributed to the unique and wholly authentic sound of the show.

Award-winning Puerto Rican artist Luis Fonsi, responsible for several global hits including "Despacito," joins Mexican singer-songwriter Joy for a rousing, pan-Latin version of songs from "Coco" and "Saludos Amigos." A fresh and vibrant arrangement of "Dig a Little Deeper" from "The Princess and the Frog" features vocalist Bryson Camper and legendary Gospel artists Karen Clark Sheard and Kierra Sheard, and musical selections from "Mulan," "The Jungle Book," and "Aladdin" are highlighted by the vocal talents of Wang Liuqi, Hollie Hammel, Aditya Rao, Gaayatri Kaundinya, Jorgie Shkara, and Sanaa Marahati. Title

The Ndlovu Youth Choir from Johannesburg contributes a medley of favorites from "The Lion King," performed in both English and Zulu. We also hear a duet with French pop singer Damien Sargue, belting "Out There" from Disney's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," and the music of Disney and Pixar's "Brave" gets a Celtic kick from the dueling violins of Grammy and Emmy-nominated violinist Máiréad Nesbitt and platinum-selling electronic artist, violinist, and multi-talented entertainer Lindsey Stirling.

"Harmonious" opens with an inspiring medley of "How Far I'll Go" from "Moana" and "Go the Distance" from "Hercules," performed by "American Idol" finalist and three-time Grammy nominee Danny Gokey and vocalists Elisha Garrett and Ninet Tayeb. The show builds to a finale that unites everyone around World Showcase and from around the world, as many of the musical artists come together to perform a poignant and powerful song, bringing "Harmonious" to an emotional close.

Throughout the soundtrack, there's also a musical motif in the form of the soaring melody of composer Pinar Toprak's new EPCOT anthem, and all these diverse pieces of music are artfully woven together by arranger Mark Hammond and Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Music Producer and Creative Director Yaron Spiwak.

"Harmonious" debuts October 1 as part of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebrations.

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SoFloMagic1 day ago

I think this is right. But bridge closed (not raised) when pyro was brought under. At least thats my memory

Tiggerish5 days ago

That was always my favorite part, too! ROE was the best nighttime show, IMO.

etc985 days ago

You just reminded me of such a good memory, of waiting at the drawbridge for the Earth Globe to pass one night after the show. I was probably 10 years old, and seeing it up close was so cool. The cast member there talked with my family about the show while we waited, and asked what our favorite part was. I said mine was when the announcer blew out the torches at the beginning, and she was surprised and said not many people even notice that detail, let along say it’s their favorite part. I think that’s part of the reason why I always look out for the little details in the parks, even now.

jrhwdw5 days ago

It only raised for the Earth Globe correct?

peter114355 days ago

No. Typically not. If the illuminations barges were left out it was normally for another reason. Due to size and number the illuminations barges were able to be brought out in one shorter bridge raise.

Disstevefan15 days ago

Good to know. Thanks. I have a bad memory. For illuminations did they leave the barges out during busy times too?

peter114355 days ago

There are a couple issues with doing it all at once. One being the length of time traffic would be stopped.

jrhwdw5 days ago

2 Times? Couldn't Epcot float everything out at one time?

peter114355 days ago

Correct. Luminous requires the bridge being raised twice per afternoon for several minutes each time.

Disstevefan15 days ago

You are the expert. Please educate me. Please educate me on the reasoning why they are moved (or not moved) based on attendance? Is it to not use the draw bridge during crowded times?

peter114355 days ago

That’s not true. There’s been a mix of both over that period.

peter114355 days ago

It has nothing to do with saving money. The techs that load the product are the same ones that move the barges. There is no labor savings either way and it is far easier for them to service the barges in the Mariana than it is in the middle of the lagoon. The decision regarding if they stay out or are moved in is based on projected park attendance for the following day.

Nottamus6 days ago

I was there from 11/10-11/17 and it wasn’t there all day that week. I’ve heard they play Tapestry Of Nations music as they brought out - I never got to see it happen We did mornings there until 1 pm and they weren’t there - by night they were !

Disstevefan16 days ago

It obviously costs less to just leave them there rather than have cast members do the work to move them. I think this is exactly why they leave them there. Is it a bad show? Absolutely yes. But Disney does not care anymore. They just do the minimum they can get away with.