Rochester’s ancient Cathedral provides the solemnly timeless setting for this concert to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War I. Rochester Choral Society will be united with the City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Sinfonietta Chamber Soloists and singers from Sutton Valence Choral Society and Thanet Festival Choir to perform one of the towering masterpieces of 20th century music, the War Requiem by Benjamin Britten. Commissioned for the consecration of Coventry Cathedral, rebuilt after near-obliteration by bombing during World War II, it juxtaposes the Latin Mass for the Dead with poems by the First World War poet, Wilfred Owen, which vividly convey the horror and devastation of war. This is a powerfully emotional work on a monumental scale, using two choirs, two orchestras, organ and three vocal soloists. The orchestra will be conducted by Peter Bassano and the vocal soloists will be:
Soprano – Susan Young
Tenor – Clifford Lister
Bass – Colin Campbell
