How a Broadway Showstopper Became a Global Anthem for Millions
In short: Dominic Broomfield-McHugh explores the operatic origins of the song You’ll Never Walk Alone. Originally composed for the 1945 musical Carousel, the track transitioned from a theatrical centerpiece to a cultural phenomenon performed by artists ranging from Elvis Presley to Marcus Mumford.
The lecture examines the musical legacy of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s composition, which was initially written for Metropolitan Opera star Christine Johnson. Beyond its theatrical roots, the piece has achieved remarkable versatility, finding a home in diverse settings such as the Last Night of the Proms and the terraces of Liverpool Football Club.
Recorded on May 2, 2025, at Conway Hall, London, the presentation features live performances by soprano Rebecca Evans CBE. Professor Broomfield-McHugh, a specialist in American musical theatre, contextualizes the song's endurance within the broader history of stage and screen music.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Operatic Showstopper: ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ - Dominic Broomfield-McHugh
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