Battle of the Somme: Live Screening

Posted: 29/10/2018

Join us in remembering the Fallen this November to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1.

A truly unique and spectacular screening of the extraordinary and original silent film, The Battle Of The Somme, will take place in Bromsgrove on the evening of Sunday, 11th November. Digitally re-mastered and with a score commissioned by the Imperial War Museum in 2016 to mark the cen-tenary of the battle of the Somme, Laura Rossi’s powerful music will be performed live by a sixty-piece orchestra on stage in Routh Concert Hall at Bromsgrove School. For this once in a life time event, the Orchestra of St John will join forces with additional guest players, conducted by Mr Richard Jenkinson.



Prior to the screening, there will be a talk by the composer, who will discuss the score and her ap-proach to writing it, and from Philip Bowen who will speak on those pupils from Bromsgrove School who fought at the Somme and in other battles during World War One.

Shot by two official cinematographers, Geoffrey Malins and John McDowell and originally screened in 1916, The Battle of the Somme was the first feature length documentary about war. In the first three months of its release, the film was seen by around 20 million people in Britain and Ire-land, informing and challenging the public with its images of warfare, and changing the way both cinema and film was perceived.
The Worcestershire Regiment contributed eight Battalions at the battle of the Somme, and lost over 1,000 men with a further 363 killed fighting in a range of other regiments and units. In addi-tion, nine Victoria Crosses were awarded to soldiers from the county.

Doors open at 6.45pm. Parking is available at Bromsgrove School (Worcester Road, B61 7HP). An exhibition will be on view in the foyer of the concert hall. The film screening will begin at approxi-mately 7.45pm and lasts for 90 minutes (please note that there is no interval).

Tickets are £15 per person. Profits from ticket sales will go to the military charity, Help for Heroes. 

Date: Sunday, 11th November
Screening: The Battle of the Somme Film with Live Orchestra
Special Guests: The Orchestra of St John
Doors Open 6.45pm; Screening at 7.45pm (please note there is no interval)
Tickets: £15 per person - BOOK NOW