TIME TO GET IN THE MOOD AS CHOIR CELEBRATES THE SONGS OF THE 1940s

Final rehearsals are underway as a Chester based choir prepares to stage a special concert which celebrates the music of the 1940s.

Staged by Chester Bach Singers, with musical direction by Martin Bussey,  the concert entitled "Songs of the Forties" will take place at The Wesley Church Centre, St John Street, Chester on Saturday 10^th June at 3pm.

The special concert will feature a variety of music from the World War 2 era including "In the Mood", "Tuxedo Junction" "Sentimental Journey" and a selection from Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Carousel" which includes the ever popular "You'll Never Walk Alone". The concert will also feature a selection of light classic music which was popular during the era including "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" which will be performed by the choir's accompanist, pianist Catherine Barnett, "Steal Away", "Nobody Knows", imogen Holst's "A Sweet County Life" and "Hymne a l'amour" made famous by Edith Piaf.  Also included is the chorus from Benjamin Britten's "Peter Grimes" and Baritone Martin Bussey’s solo setting of a letter by Finzi reflecting on the time - "In days like these". 

Speaking about the concert, Helen Crich, chair of Chester Bach Singers said:

"At first sight the 1940s may appear barren territory for a concert, dominated as they were by World War II. The conflict was pretty much all encompassing, given the impact on city life across Europe and further afield. Music in mainland Europe inevitably suffered through prevailing philosophies, the persecution of different groups, and occupation by the Nazi regime. Yet despite, and in some cases because of this situation, music and other art forms became an important outlet for self-expression as well as entertainment when time allowed. From the free concerts staged in London by celebrated pianist Dame Myra Hess to the morale boosting music of Glenn Miller, music became a crucial weapon in the battle to keep people's spirits up. We hope our varied programme of music reflects that, there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy".

Full details of "Music of the Forties" can be found at: 

www.chesterbachsingers.org.uk 

...where tickets can be booked online.