Battle of the Somme film to grace city's cathedral - The Worcester Observer

Battle of the Somme film to grace city's cathedral

Worcester Editorial 8th Jun, 2017   0

STEP back in time to one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War when The Battle of the Somme Centenary Tour arrives at Worcester Cathedral.

Featuring a screening of the 1916 film The Battle of the Somme it’s backed by a soundtrack performed live by British Police Symphony Orchestra.

The event in Worcester on Saturday, June 17, is one of the last dates on The Battle of the Somme Centenary Tour.

Composer Laura Rossi and Dr Toby Haggith, senior curator at The Imperial War Museum will give pre-performance talks about the battle and the musical score.




The British Police Symphony Orchestra have been working hard to ensure they do justice to Laura Rossi’s incredible score, with the final rehearsals planned for the day itself.

Laura said: “It was only after I had started working on this project and decided to visit the battlefields that my aunt told me my great uncle Fred had served on the Somme, and showed me his diaries.


“He was the only one of his pals in France who did not get killed. He was a stretcher-bearer, attached to the 29th Division on July 1, 1916, so it is possible he may even appear in the film.

“I have watched the film so many times that when I sleep at night I sometimes see the soldiers’ faces! Watching this film brings you closer to the reality of the First World War, and I have come to feel very passionately that I want others to know more about it.”

Paul West, former Chief Constable of West Mercia Police and a member of the British Police Symphony Orchestra said: “Our first rehearsal was particularly poignant, watching the film and beginning our work to learn the score.

“It will be a privilege to play our part in remembering the sacrifice of those who gave their lives during not only the Battle of the Somme but the whole of World War One.”

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £20 and £15 available from Worcester Live 01905 611427 with all proceeds going to The Royal British Legion, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity.

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