Leiden English Choir Summer concert

The music on the programme covers a wide range of emotions evoked by peace and war.  The oldest work, “La Guerre” by Janequin focuses on its counterpart, war. It is a 15th-century “radio play” in which you can hear the bullets whizzing around your ears.   

A great contrast to Adam Paltrowitz's poignant “Peace” on a text by Sara Teasdale. English composer Hubert Parry wrote the “Songs of Farewell” when some of his talented pupils were killed in the trenches of the First World War. The “Mauthausen cycle” by Mikis Theodorakis, is about the hardships in the concentration camp. Liesbeth List performed these songs - translated into Dutch - in the 1960s. The compositions by Brahms and Whitacre reflect the peace and security that everyone ultimately seeks.

Tickets for the concert are available on the LEC's website, but there is also a special webpage with poems and diary excerpts taken from the family histories of members of the choir.