Abbey Road studios launch 80th anniversary contest

Abbey Road Studios in London, where the Beatles recorded most of their hits, has launched a global anthem competition to mark its 80th anniversary this year.

The studios, opened in 1931 by composer Edward Elgar with a performance of his patriotic song "Land of Hope and Glory", are looking for original, undiscovered writers who will compete for the chance to record their compositions at Abbey Road.

The winning anthems will be recorded in Studio One, home to the recording of the "Star Wars" movie title sequence and The Beatles' live satellite performance of "All You Need Is Love."

Composer Eric Whitacre will conduct the London Symphony Orchestra and as yet unnamed singers, and musical arrangers will be on hand to help entrants in order to open the competition up to the wider public.

"We want to find the great anthems of our time," Whitacre said in a statement. "It is an honour to be involved in the selection process and to record the winning entries. I encourage all writers/composers to submit their music; inspire us."

Entrants were asked to submit their anthems by July 15.