Tuesday 29 July 2014

Concert Announcement




On August 4, 1914, Britain declared war on Germany. Canada joined the allied forces as the the
world plunged into a bitter conflict in which close to 10 million people were killed. To
acknowledge the centenary of the First World War, baritone Clint Hagel, actor Faye Stollery,
and, pianist Emily Grieve will present "Songs and Letters of WW1: 1914-2014," a recital of
classical art-song, poetry, and prose from and about the war. Most of the pieces to be performed
are by composers and writers who witnessed WW1 first hand--these are the stories of average
soldiers in the trenches, worried wives and mothers, nurses, the bereaved, and survivors whose
lives were changed forever. Alongside works by well-known artists like George Butterworth and
Wilfred Owen, we will present pieces from the local archives which poignantly illustrate how the
people of Edmonton were affected by the war. We will conclude the recital with contemporary
reflections, including a poem by Emily Grieve and a song-cycle by award-winning Alberta
composer, Jesse Plessis.

"Songs and Letters of WW1: 1914-2014" will take place on November 8, 2014 at 7:30pm in
Muttart Hall at MacEwan University (Alberta College Campus). We are also looking to expand this project, so we'll keep you posted as to additional dates and venues.

This concert was inspired by an online WW1 centenary project based in Britain called 'Letter to an Unknown Soldier.' Thousands of letters were written to the Unknown Soldier statue in Paddington station and posted on the project's website. Check it out here




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