The London English Song Festival returns to Wilton’s in Summer 2017 with Over There! This dramatic, staged performance of song and poetry commemorates the American entry into World War One and depicts the colliding worlds of England and the US through an exploration of song and the spoken word.
Chelsea Pensioner William K. Gorrie – reader
Katie Bray – mezzo-soprano
Nick Pritchard – tenor
Craig Colclough – bass-baritone
Louise Williams – viola
William Vann – piano
Over There!, taking its name from the famous song of 1917 by George M. Cohan that encouraged young Americans to sign up to fight in the battlefields of Europe. An immersive dramatic experience that explores the artistic legacy of that period, both in America and Britain, we explore a compelling selection of art songs, popular songs and poetry from that year. A fascinating selection of contemporary photos and Woodrow Wilson’s declaration of war frame a staged performance given by three of the finest singers of their generation, accompanied by William Vann, Artistic Director of the London English Song Festival and award-winning pianist. Chelsea Pensioner William K. Gorrie reads a poignant selection of war poetry.
Educational matinee talk, performance and Q & A:
On 19th and 20th July we will hold an educational matinee for children and school groups at 1.30pm: this will be a modified version of the full programme that includes an introductory talk, exploring the historical background to the era, and a Q&A session at the end. This will engage children with the artistic legacy of the war poets and composers through live performance and discussion.
Programme:
Poetry and speeches
Who’s for the Game – Jessie Pope (1868-1941)
Speech to Congress, April 2 2017 – Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924)
England and America – Florence T. Holt (1874-1955)
To the USA – Robert Bridges (1844-1930)
I have a Rendez-vous with Death – Alan Seeger (1888-1916)
With an Identity Disc
Strange Meeting
Anthem for Doomed Youth – Wilfred Owen (1893-1918)
Popular song
Over There – George M. Cohan (1878-1942)
I don’t know where I’m going but I’m on my way – George Fairman (1881-1962)
When Yankee Doodle learns to parlez-vous Français – Ed Nelson & Will Hart
Art Song & instrumental
The Soldier Rupert Brooke (1887-1915)
Blow out you Bugles Rupert Brooke
The Cost Eric Thirkell Cooper (1886-1960)
In Boyhood A. E. Housman (1859-1936)
A Garrison Churchyard Eric Thirkell Cooper
For Remembrance piano solo – John Ireland (1879-1962)
Lights Out Edward Thomas (1878-1917) – Ivor Gurney (1890-1937)
In Flanders Fields John McCrae (1872-1918)
Tom sails away Charles Ives
He is there Charles Ives – Charles Ives (1874-1954)
Suicide in the trenches Siegfried Sassoon (1886-1967)
If you forget Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy (1883-1929) – Ian Venables (b. 1955)
Elegy (excerpt) viola & piano – Herbert Howells (1892-1983)
All tickets are available for purchase from the Wilton’s Music Hall website, or from the Box Office on 020 7702 2789.