A special concert of music and poetry commemorating World War One will take place in Cirencester Parish Church at 7.30 pm on Saturday November 15.
‘The Pity of War’ will feature the Cirencester Philharmonia (conductor Ian Higginson; accompanist Simon Russell), joined by the Jubilate Chamber Choir and Gloucestershire poets Peter Wyton and Marilyn and Howard Timms for what promises to be a memorable and thought-provoking evening. The musicians will focus on pastoral themes linked with the period, including pieces by Elgar, Holst and Vaughan-Williams. Conversely, the poets will emphasise the horror of the conflict.
The concert is being part-financed by Cllr Joe Harris of Cotswold District Council, using one-off funding allocated to all CDC members to support World War One commemorations across the District.
Looking ahead to the concert, Cllr Harris said: “It is appropriate that this concert will fall on the weekend after Remembrance Day. None of us can really imagine what it must have been like in the trenches one hundred years ago, but I am sure that the wonderful music and poetry on offer will encourage us all to pause for thought and remember the sacrifices made by the combatants.
“I am particularly keen to encourage young people to attend. Many of those who died in the conflict were only in their teens and early twenties, and it is important that we are reminded again of this devastating loss of a generation and the need for present and future leaders to ensure a peaceful and prosperous world.”
Tickets are priced at £11 for adults and will be available on the door; children gain free admittance if accompanied by an adult. The tickets can also be purchased in advance at the Cirencester Visitor Information Centre (in Corinium Museum) Telephone: 01285 654180.
