Ciara on songon Oscar film

Ciara Hendrick - whose mother hails from the city - is the singer of the haunting song which plays as the credits roll.

The mezzo soprano is the daughter of Londonderry woman Margaret McKeever and Dubliner Dom Hendrick.

She was singled out to make the recording by the composer Gregoire Hetzel who tailored the song to her distinctive vocal quality, using words in German from Nietzsche’s ‘Von alten und neuen Tafeln’. 

The track was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in Abbey Road studios.

Canadian Denis Villeneuve’s film, which follows the journey of two siblings as they attempt to unravel the mystery of their mother’s life, was nominated this year for an Oscar in the foreign language film category and its rapturous reception has included receiving eight awards at the 31st Genie Awards.

Ciara has been a member of English National Opera’s Opera Works programme and her roles include Hansel (Iford Festival Opera), Irene in Handel’s Theodora (St Martin in the Fields), Margarida in Glyndebourne’s The Yellow Sofa, Phoebe in The Yeomen of the Guard (Buxton G&S Festival) and Lazuli in Chabrier’s L’Etoile in Strasbourg Opera studio.

Her recital and concert work in the UK and France includes regular mezzo soloist engagements in St Martin in the Fields oratorio programme.

Her selection as vocalist for the ‘Incendies’ soundtrack follows positive reviews for her performances in The Yellow Sofa - “Ciara Hendrick, one to watch for singing and acting the socks off a minor role,” said Opera Now; The Yeoman of the Guard - “Best of all, however, was Ciara Hendrick, a delightfully spirited Phoebe,” said Rupert Christiansen of The Telegraph; and Hansel and Gretel - “It’s enchanting… and it’s exciting, too…The irresistible Ciara Hendrick … robustly musical as Hansel,” said Hilary Finch of The Times. The Incendies single is available on iTunes.