CLASSICS AT THE MOVIES

The Battle of the Somme film and music were featured on BBC Radio 2 Friday Night is Music Night on August 5th 2016.

Laura was interviewed during the interval about Somme100 FILM.

Listen to Laura’s interview and hear the music at: 01:01:52

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07lxpnl

Listen to IWM curator Laura Clouting at 53:10 talking about the Somme film and how it is a key part of the IWM Reel to Reel exhibition.

“During the interval we visit the Imperial War Museum’s Real to Reel exhibition to explore 100 years of war films. This year marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and the release of a film shot by cinematographers, Geoffrey Malins and John McDowell on the Western Front. Following it’s premiere in London on 10 August 1916 an estimated 20 million people attended their local cinemas to see the film – that was more than half the UK population at the time. Each screening was preceded by the reading of a letter from Lloyd George, exhorting the audience to “see that this picture, which is in itself an epic of self-sacrifice and gallantry, reaches everyone. Herald the deeds of our brave men to the ends of the earth. This is your duty.”

Curator Laura Clouting explains how war stories of love and loss, fear and courage, triumph and tragedy are transformed into movies for the big screen with illustrations from The Dam Busters, Where Eagles Dare, Saving Private Ryan and War Horse. We’ll also hear how the silent film – The Battle of the Somme – has been transformed – 100 years on – by a brand new orchestral score by Laura Rossi.”

The project commenced on 1 July 2016, with Sakari Oramo conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra in a live performance of The Battle of the Somme film, as part of the national commemorative event at Thiepval Memorial, France.

Broadcast live on BBC TV, the event was attended by world leaders, members of the British Royal Family, servicemen and the 8000 members of the public.

Live orchestral screenings took place the same day with performances in London, Manchester, Berkhamsted and Southend-on-Sea.

July Screenings

Screenings in July have also included Camden Symphony Orchestra (which received a standing ovation). Young musicians aged 10 – 15 performed with Chetham’s Sinfonia at Manchester Cathedral, who also featured on BBC The One Show with composer Laura Rossi and IWM curator Matthew Lee.

Chester Philharmonic performed at Queen’s Park High School with a second half led by students. On Sunday 17th July there was a sold out concert by Chandos Symphony Orchestra in Pershore, Worcestershire.

Audience Engagement

Composer Laura Rossi and Toby Haggith (IWM senior curator) have been introducing the screenings with a short pre-concert talk about the film and the music.

All screenings have been packed out and have been very engaging for the orchestras and audience members. Feedback has been extremely positive with many attending moved to tears. Orchestras and conductors have also enjoyed the experience of performing live with film. Many orchestra members have found, since being involved in the project, their own personal connections to the battle which have been included in their programme notes.

Key Events

On 18 November 2016, which will mark 100 years since the end of the battle, the BBC Concert Orchestra will perform live with the film at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

Other overseas performances include France, Germany, Canada and two performances in New Zealand by The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

About The Project

Somme100 FILM are working with the Imperial War Museums (IWM) as part of the First World War Centenary Partnership, to show this film to audiences across the world alongside performances of Laura Rossi’s acclaimed score. Somme100 FILM is supported by the Arts Council England, and project partners Faber Music.

Composer Laura Rossi and specialist film historians can be booked to give pre-concert talks about both the film and the music as part of the live screening.

There is also a linked education project with free downloadable resources for secondary schools.

Get Involved

There are already over 60 confirmed live screenings and more performances are being actively sought by amateur, professional and youth orchestras.

To find a screening near you, or if you are interested in performing or putting on a live screening please visit: www.somme100film.com

Watch this video to find out more:

 

Laura Rossi was interviewed on The One Show about her score for the Battle of the Somme.

Watch this video of Chetham’s Sinfonia performing an extract of the score live with film at the IWM North in Manchester.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03zzwt1

Here’s another video performance live with the film by Chetham’s Sinfonia.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03zzygw