One of the most significant collaborations to commemorate the sacrifice made by those who have fought, and who continue to fight, against violence, repression and extremism is to be held in London next weekend.
Concert of Remembrance
The Band of the Irish Guards will present a free 'Concert of Remembrance' at the iconic Guards Chapel at Birdcage Walk in the centre of London (Friday 6th November: 7.30pm) featuring the European premiere of the critically acclaimed 'A Richer Dust' — Symphony No 1' by composer Nigel Clarke.
The evocative work for Wind Orchestra and Narrator is intertwined with words by Malene Sheppard Skaerved (alongside conductor Andrew Porter and composer Nigel Clarke above), as well as images and voices from international statesmen to voiceless non-combatants and victims, who have been part of extraordinarily damaging periods of conflict.
Exploration
Composer Nigel Clarke, who will also conduct his work, told 4BR: "'A Richer Dust' explores what it means to live with violence and extremism — the constant companions of human history.
It's therefore an honour to work with the Band of the Irish Guards: I served in the regimental band between 1982 and 1986 and owe the military so much. Their desire to ensure this work was performed gives it such a deeper degree of relevance and acceptance of its themes on how conflict affects everyone.
It has been both one of the most challenging and rewarding projects I have worked on. I have given it my all, and the words of Malene Sheppard Skaerved and the images that will be shown make such an immense impression."
Appropriate
He added: "This work is about the victims of conflicts throughout history, and it is appropriate that it takes place in the Guards Chapel, London, which was destroyed by a V1 bomb during a Church service in 1944 killing 121 military musicians, personnel and general public members of the congregation."
Resonated
The concert will be narrated by Andrew Porter, Bandmaster of the Irish Guards Band, who told 4BR that 'A Richer Dust' has resonated deeply with both his players and himself.
"The Irish Guards Band has a long and proud history, but this work still made an immediate, deep felt impact on us all.
Many of us have experienced the theatre of combat for ourselves and there are many elements within the text and music that resonate with us for different and varied reasons.
However, we all felt that it was essential that we gave this performance. The subject matter is dark and disturbing, but it also highlights the hope and aspiration of us all that we work towards peace, reconciliation and understanding.
We are very honoured to be giving the European premiere of such a significant composition."
A Richer Dust' explores what it means to live with violence and extremism — the constant companions of human historyComposer, Nigel Clarke
Preview event
The day before the European Premiere concert (on Thursday 5th November) there will be an 'In Conversation' event held in the Royal Academy of Music Museum (Piano Gallery).
This is part of the SoundBox series hosted by the Academy's 'Viotti Lecturer', violinist Peter Sheppard Skaerved and will include contributions given by the writer Malene Sheppard Skaerved, the Irish Guards Band's Director of Music Major Bruce Miller, Band Master Andrew Porter and Nigel Clarke.
Free
This event is free to the public: SOUNDBOX 1230: 5th November — Piano Gallery Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Road, London NW15HT
The world premiere of 'A Richer Dust' was originally given by the Middle Tennessee State University Wind Ensemble under the baton of Dr Reed Thomas in 2014.
