Liverpool Philharmonic commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War One

Posted on 30 October 2018
By Summer Gedall
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Benjamin Britten’s masterpiece, War Requiem is being brought to Liverpool Cathedral to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War One.

Liverpool Philharmonics’ Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze will unite hundreds of musicians and choristers from Liverpool and Hannover, both UNESCO cities of music, with a performance in each of the cities.

The performance will take place at Liverpool Cathedral on 10th November, a week after its debut in Hannover and will act as the centrepiece of Liverpool philharmonic’s participation in events commemorating the end of World War One.

Britten intended War Requiem as a gesture of reconciliation and in that spirit it was Manze who invited the orchestras and choristers of the two cities to unite to mark this significant historical anniversary with Britten’s universal work.

On performing Britten’s War Requiem in Hannover and Liverpool, Manze said: “For me, uniting these great musical forces from Britain and Germany has profound symbolism as once hostile countries rehearsing and performing Britten’s landmark War Requiem together in two UNESCO Cities of Music.

“War Requiem resonates as powerfully as ever as a sign of reconciliation, bringing us together to hear great music that moves us and challenges us to think of the impacts of our actions at a time of remembrance.

“I have a strong instinct that these concerts will be special, memorable events in the lives of all the participants and listeners.”

The event will take place on Saturday 10th November at 7.30pm at Liverpool Cathedral.

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