Hello, our World War One Centenary concerts continue at 4pm on Sunday 9th November with a very special commission, ECHO: Body of Song and comps are available for staff and their family and friends.
Body of Song is a truly fitting reflection of war, with a fascinating story, a world of musical diversity, a snapshot of the diverse musical aesthetic and a shared European reflection on peace and conflict past, present and future.
Presented by renowned baritone, Sir Thomas Allen, ECHO: Body of Song, marks the outbreak of WW1 with new choral works that explore the theme of peace and conflict through the human voice. Performed by the Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia, Custom Voices, Voices of Hope and Sage Gateshead’s own youth choir Quay Voices.
In the words of Sir Thomas Allen: “Whether we remain aware of it or not, to a greater or lesser degree, the importance of the year 2014 is very significant in our lives. This most awful of wars, the war to end all wars, is especially significant as it gave rise to some of the most touching and moving poetry in our language, and some of the most deeply poignant songs.”
“Its resonances continue, the story goes on, and out of the darkness comes beauty and inspirational writing of music prose and verse. After all the horrors, in just the same way as the most vivid and beautiful of red flowers appeared in thousands on what had been a place of utmost ugliness, words and music do indeed have the power of healing.”
One of the works, ‘Papillon’ composed by Catherine Kontz and performed by the Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia is based on a collection of letters which were found in a cellar. The letters are between members of one family (5 sons, 1 daughter and their parents) and were written during WW1. Four of the sons fought in the war and some of their letters were written from the trenches. It is a very personal insight into war, with all the worries of parents who haven’t heard from their sons and then hearing first-hand how dreadful the conditions really were.
Many colleagues are performing so it will also be a great opportunity to support them so tell your friends and family and come along on Sunday afternoon at 4pm.
Contact Ticket Office to get your tickets now (unlimited but on a first come, first served basis).
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