Bath is to play a starring role in a nationwide World War One centenary music project, by hosting five events across “Last Post fortnight” which runs from 4th–18th November.
Former Dire Straits frontman, Mark Knopfler has performed a moving guitar version of the Last Post to mark the launch of a nationwide World War One centenary music project from West-country based arts organisation, Superact.
At over 200 community led events across the UK, the Last Post will be played on different instruments in tribute to people from local areas whose lives were impacted by World War One.
You can see the full list of Bath’s events below:
Bath Spa Band, Cenotaph – Bath – 9th November – 10am
Bath Spa Band will be performing traditional marches such as The British Legion March as well as a programme of world war one music, including Oh What a Lovely War and a lovely piece called In Flanders Fields which has an unusual arrangement of The Last post within it and is based on the poem of the same name.
Holy Trinity Church, High Littleton – Bath – 9th November – 10.30am
The Last Post will be played at the annual Remembrance Service in High Littleton. A short address will be given about the history of the Great War in November 1914 and how it affected the parish in which 15 men died during the conflict.
Bath Mozartfest, Assembly Rooms – Bath – 9th November – 1pm
“In Pale Battalions” – On the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, how should we remember this “War to end all Wars?” As a triumph of our national spirit, or a human catastrophe? Samuel West has chosen poems from the men who were there, the women who were left behind, and those who looked back on it afterwards. This is a spoken word event, with the Last Post to be played at the end.
Walcot State Choir, Cerfew – Bath – 11th November – 7pm
A evening of songs poems from the choir, songs from individuals as well as small groups made of choir members and singing 1st world war songs with everyone to piano accompaniment.
The focus will be on finding peace and honouring conscientious objecters as well as songs that document war events and important characters and moments in history.
Certain family members of the choir will be spoken of and photos of them will be projected. The last post will be played by members of Jerrome Recoder group.
The Egg, Theatre Royal – Bath – 13th November – 7pm
As part of the Last Post project, the YPT marks the centenary of World War One with their new production, The Eleventh Hour: The Great War Project.
Devised by the company, with writing by Paul Dodgson, these four new and exciting performances are connected by the events of a century ago.
The stories, inspired by family histories and both local and international events, reflect the lives of young people affected by WWI across the century. The production concludes with a haunting vocal version of the Last Post.
Having grown up in Blyth, Northumberland, Mark Knopfler dedicated the Last Post performance to the Northumberland Fusiliers who suffered 17,000 casualties in the First World War – more than any other regiment.
You can view the performance online here.
Following his Last Post performance, Mark Knopfler said: “The First World War left its mark on families throughout the UK, and throughout the world. It is important to remember the sacrifices made, and to think about why wars happen.
“I’m playing the Last Post for 17,000 young men of the Northumberland Fusiliers who lost their lives. You too can remember through music with The Last Post project.”
Superact’s Virginia Crompton, Executive Producer of The Last Post project said: “The Last Post is a creative project enabling people all over the UK to explore local World War One heritage and reflect on new interpretations of this piece of music that has become indelibly linked to remembrance.
“With events happening across the North East from 4 to 18 November, you can find your nearest to attend or even host your own at thelastpostproject.org.uk”
Don Foster, MP for Bath said: “The Last Post project is an innovative initiative that has captured the imagination of the nation and it’s heartening to know that so many groups in Bath will be commemorating the First World War generation with their own musical tributes”
“I will be remembering those impacted by World War One by visiting Last Post events in the city and know many Bath residents will be doing the same.”
