The cycle will be performed by local people, musicians and choirs, inspired by iconic locations along the route of the race, using cutting-edge technology and new compositions - but drawing on the city’s rich choral traditions and history.
The city council have commissioned the award-winning Pilot Theatre and Historyworks to produce the innovative work, which will coincide with Stage 3 of the Tour de France which starts in Cambridge on Monday 7 July.
The project is being funded by a grant from Arts Council England.
The songs will be developed with local choirs, schools, artists and members of the community in Cambridge, supported by some of the city’s leading composers and musicians.
The works will tell untold hidden stories from the city’s history, and will be performed by different groups as part of the celebrations for Stage 3 on the 7 July, and in the lead-up to the event as part of the Big Weekend on Parker’s Piece.
An app will also be developed that will enable people to hear the works and the stories that inspire them along the route, providing a lasting digital legacy for the city.
Councillor Sarah Brown, Cambridge City Council’s Executive Councillor for Community Wellbeing said: "I’ve seen the proposals being developed and they’re hugely exciting. They’ll keep crowds entertained along the route while people wait to see their favourite riders go past and create a legacy by which people will be able to remember the day and explore the route in future."
Cllr Noel Kavanagh, Cambridgeshire County Council’s cycling champion said: "This is an extremely exciting concept and one which I am sure will capture the imagination of our residents. The visit of Le Tour de France will be a day to remember for us all in July and I think we can all feel the excitement building throughout the city and county."
Marcus Romer, Artistic Director of Pilot Theatre who has lived in the city since 2011 said: "Pilot Theatre are delighted to be making our first major project in Cambridge and are really looking forward to collaborating with the artists and community within the city to create a beautiful and inspiring cycle of songs as part of the Tour de France celebrations.
"For Pilot Theatre it is a real opportunity to be able to work here and to bring our skills and experience to create an inspiring piece of work for the City. As a national company, we have worked all over the world and we are honoured to be invited to create a new installation for this unique occasion in this wonderful location. I am looking forward to meeting and working with a whole range of new people here to make a really exciting and landmark project that can be shared and enjoyed by all."
Helen Weinstein, Co-Director of Cambridge-based Historyworks said: "Historyworks is thrilled to be working with artists and communities to produce an art work for the Cambridge leg of the Tour De France. We will be producing quality audio products that celebrate the history and identity of the city through words and songs. It is very exciting that we will be providing an audio soundscape of the music and story-telling surrounding the route through the city which will be an important digital legacy."
Hedley Swain, Area Director, South East, Arts Council England, said: "This will be a wonderful opportunity for the people of Cambridge and visitors to really feel part of the Tour de France as its route passes through Cambridge. It will reflect the city's rich arts and cultural heritage and outstanding reputation for new technology by enabling audiences to access the nine choral performances - and the stories behind them - through a new app - ensuring the legacy of this special occasion remains accessible to everyone, both now and in the future. We are delighted to be playing an instrumental role in making this impressive activity possible."
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