Voice and Verse Song Recital: Remembrance
Enjoy the beautiful sound world of the Abbey and its artists, as the Abbey’s Lay Vicars perform a recital of English Song featuring texts by poets buried or memorialised in Poets’ Corner.
Artists
Tom Butler baritone
Stuart O’Hara bass
Simon Ponsford countertenor
Julian Stocker tenor
Simon Wall tenor
Paul Greally piano
Matthew Jorysz piano
Programme
| John Ireland (1879-1962) | The Soldier |
| Hugo Wolf (1860-1903) | Sonne der Schlummerlosen |
| Ivor Gurney (1890-1937) | By a Bierside |
| Gerald Finzi (1901-1956) | O Fair to See |
| The Wanderer | |
| To Joy | |
| Harvest | |
| Ivor Gurney (1890-1937) | Elizabethan Songs |
| Orpheus with his Lute | |
| Tears | |
| Under the Greenwood Tree | |
| Sleep | |
| Giles Swayne (b.1946) | The Kiss |
| Suicide in the Trenches | |
| The Kiss | |
| The Dug-out | |
| Arthur Somervell (1863-1937) | Maud |
| She Came to the Village Church | |
| Dead, Long Dead | |
| O That T’were Possible | |
| George Butterworth (1885-1916) | Six Songs from A Shropshire Lad |
| Loveliest of Trees | |
| When I was One-and-Twenty | |
| Look not in my Eyes | |
| Think no More, Lad | |
| The Lads in Their Hundreds | |
| Is my Team Ploughing | |
Westminster Abbey is home to the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, as well as monuments to over 3,000 people who are buried or memorialised within the Abbey’s walls. Poets’ Corner houses memorials to many great British poets, writers and musicians, including a stone for the poets of the First World War, whose works are represented amongst others in this concert of Remembrance.
In addition to singing the daily services, as it has done since the fourteenth century, the Choir plays a central role in the many royal and state occasions which are held in the Abbey, most recently the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The adult professional singers in the choir are accomplished soloists in their own right, showcasing their talents in this concert of English Song.
About The Choir of Westminster Abbey
Organist and Master of the Choristers: Andrew Nethsingha
Since its foundation in the late fourteenth century, when the Abbey was a Benedictine monastery, the choir’s primary purpose has been the singing of the daily services. The Choir of Westminster Abbey is renowned worldwide as one of the finest choirs of its type. Comprising up to thirty boys and twelve professional adult singers, the choir’s wide-ranging performing activities are rooted in centuries-old tradition, and its repertoire ranges from plainsong and Tudor polyphony to twentieth century masterpieces and new commissions.
Ticketing information
Concert tickets are non-transferrable and non-refundable.
This event does not include entry to Westminster Abbey. We recommend looking at the Visit us pages to plan a visit during opening hours.
Age suitability
This activity is suitable for children aged 6+.
All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout their time at the Abbey.
Timings
You are welcome to attend Evensong at 5.00pm before the recital.
Doors will open at 7.00pm and the recital will begin at 7.30pm. There will be no interval and the recital will end at 8.45pm.
Latecomers will be admitted but may not be able to occupy their seats until a suitable break in the performance.
Meeting location
Entry to the Abbey is via the Great West Doors.
Access and security
Please have your ticket ready to show our staff (either printed or on your mobile phone).
On your arrival, your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.
Filming and photography
Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted at the Abbey. See our photography policy for more information.
Voice and Verse season
This event is part of the Voice and Verse season. Join us in October and November as we celebrate the power of words and stories penned by historic and emerging poets.
