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Ballads of the Great War - Live

Join the author Michael Morpurgo and the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic in this very special event to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Author Michael Morpurgo and a superb cast of singers join the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic for a special live concert, marking 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Aled Jones, John Tams, Julie Matthews, Bob Fox, Chris While, Jez Lowe and Barry Coope sing outstanding songs composed for the award-winning Radio 2 series, The Ballads of the Great War.

Michael Morpurgo will read passages from his books, War Horse and Private Peaceful, and in combination with the musical performances and vivid testimonies, pay tribute to people whose lives were so greatly affected by the terrible conflict.

The songs, written by some of the UK’s finest folk musicians, are based on recordings of real people describing their experiences in WWI at home and abroad. The songs and the words that inspired them have appeared on Radio 2 every November for the past five years, during The Ballads of the Great War.

The original songs have received stirring new orchestral arrangements by Greg Lawson, and will be interwoven with the poignant spoken testimonies that inspired them. Popular music from the time will also feature, and there will be a guest appearance by world champion whistler David Morris.

During the interval, hear performances by Barbara Dickson and Billy Bragg, and Charlotte Czyzyk from the Imperial War Museum North talks about a project called Lives of the First World War.

1 hour, 57 minutes

Last on

Fri 9 Nov 2018 20:00

Music Played

  • John Tams & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Cherry Cheeked Optimists (Ballads of the Great War )

  • Bob Fox, Jez Lowe & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    La Belle Γ‰poque (Ballads of the Great War )

  • Jim Boyes, Barry Coope, Bob Fox, John Tams, Jez Lowe & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Joining Up (Ballads of the Great War )

  • John Tams & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Mons (Ballads of the Great War ) (feat. David Morris)

  • Chris While, Julie Matthews & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Leave (Ballads of the Great War )

  • Jez Lowe & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    The Long Balloon (Ballads of the Great War )

  • Bob Fox & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Nick of Time (Ballads of the Great War ) (feat. Barry Coope, David Morris & Jim Boyes)

  • Billy Bragg

    Christmas with the Hun

  • Barbara Dickson

    Beautiful Day (feat. Donald Shaw, John McCusker & Greg Lawson)

  • Aled Jones & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Silent Night (Ballads of the Great War ) (feat. John Tams, Barry Coope, Jim Boyes & Bob Fox)

  • Chris While, Julie Matthews & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    All Pals Together (Ballads of the Great War )

  • Bob Fox & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Stand To (Ballads of the Great War )

  • Jim Boyes & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Passchendaele (Ballads of the Great War )

  • Bob Fox & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Blighty (Ballads of the Great War )

  • Chris While & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Townhall Yard (Ballads of the Great War )

  • Chris While, Julie Matthews & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    When Johnny Comes Marching Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ (Ballads of the Great War )

  • Bob Fox & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic

    Only Remembered (Ballads of the Great War ) (feat. Chris While, Julie Matthews, John Tams, Barry Coope & Jez Lowe)

Broadcast

  • Fri 9 Nov 2018 20:00