Berliner Philharmoniker Octet To Celebrate 70th Anniversary Of Liberation
Ensemble From The Berliner Philharmoniker To Help Celebrate 70th Anniversary Of The Channel Islands’ Liberation, In May 2015.
Musicians from what is widely regarded as the world’s leading orchestra will join in celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel Islands, in May 2015.
The Berlin Philharmonic Octet (an ensemble made up entirely from members of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra) has agreed to perform 2 special concerts on 8th and 9th May 2015 – one in Guernsey, the other in Jersey. These concerts will include a poignant reminder of the struggles endured by CI residents during the Occupation by including readings of letters and diary extracts from that time, around which an uplifting programme of music will be performed. British actor John Nettles has agreed to narrate these readings.
Guernsey’s Honorary Consul for Germany, Chris Betley, explained, “It seemed appropriate that this special anniversary for us in the Channel Islands should include a reconciliatory participation by the world renowned German chamber ensemble. They say that music is a powerful force and we hope that this gesture from a significant ensemble of the BPO is welcomed as a desire to not only acknowledge the past, but to look forward to the future in a celebration of glorious music.”
Andreas Tautscher, Chief Executive of principal sponsor, Deutsche Bank, agreed.
“As a global bank headquartered in Frankfurt, with a large Channel Islands’ presence and an already strong link with supporting outstanding musical events in each island, this opportunity is entirely appropriate for our involvement and we are pleased to be able to help contribute to such an exciting part of the 70th Liberation celebrations. We look forward to warmly welcoming the BPO to the Channel Islands.”
The event is being organised by the Victor Hugo Music Festival in Guernsey and the Liberation International Music Festival in Jersey.
Public help requested to find letters from the Occupation
Richard de la Rue, from the Victor Hugo Music Festival, has been liaising with the BPO about plans to include ‘remembrance readings’ as part of the programme, and is keen for islanders to help research and submit available material.
“We are keen to find original letters or diary notes from the Occupation that help paint a picture of what it was like living in the Channel Islands during that time. If there are family documents or archives available, then we’d love to hear from anyone who has material for us to include.
The intention is to then weave these different descriptions into a moving piece of literature that will be narrated by the actor, John Nettles, who has taken a special interest in the German occupation of these islands.”
Anyone interested in providing material is asked to contact Richard de la Rue on tel: 07781 102447, or email [email protected].
The Berlin Philharmonic Octet will perform at St. James Concert Hall, Guernsey, on Friday 8th May, and at the Opera House, Jersey, on Saturday 9th May 2015. During their visit it is hoped that some of these musicians will hold an educational programme in each island for talented school musicians.
