The War Requiem was first performed in 1962 to mark the consecration of the rebuilt Coventry Cathedral. Britten’s masterstroke was to interweave the Latin text of the Mass for the Dead with the uncompromisingly realistic poetry of Wilfred Owen, who died in action in November 1918. The Mass is sung by the soprano soloist and choirs, while the words of Owen’s soldiers are given to the tenor and baritone soloists. The result is a timeless and profoundly moving commentary on ‘War and the pity of War’.

London Concert Choir will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2010 and regularly appears at all the major London concert venues with its Music Director Mark Forkgen.