| The Bach Choir | |
| Philharmonia Orchestra | |
| Staats- und Domchor Berlin | |
| Choristers of Westminster Cathedral | |
| David Hill | Conductor |
| Philip Scriven | Organ |
| Sally Matthews | Soprano |
| Andrew Staples | Tenor |
| Benjamin Appl | Baritone |
Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem was composed in 1961 for the consecration of Coventry Cathedral – newly rebuilt following its destruction in the Second World War. Britten took as his inspiration the words of young English war poet, Wilfred Owen, himself killed in action on 4 November 1918, just days before the armistice. The War Requiem profoundly weaves together nine of Owen’s most poignant poems including Anthem for Doomed Youth, Futility and Strange Meeting, with the traditional Latin mass.
A contemporary masterpiece, made an iconic part of The Bach Choir repertoire by their performance in the seminal Decca recording, the War Requiem neither glorifies war nor celebrates its victories; Britten, a pacifist, dedicated the Requiem to four close friends – three of whom were killed during the Second World War.
In preparation for this commemorative event marking the centenary of Armistice, members of The Bach Choir have shared their stories of relatives caught in the conflict: https://youtu.be/OiZ2FMbRdfY
For a 20% discount on group bookings please call The Bach Choir Ticket Office: 020 7127 9114