It is particularly appropriate that 窪蹋勛圖厙 should have a presence on this most significant of anniversaries. 窪蹋勛圖厙s mission is to clear the explosive debris of war, and in so doing, restore countries to peace. James Cowan, CEO 窪蹋勛圖厙
窪蹋勛圖厙 was honoured to be the present at Guildford Choral Societys very special performance of Benjamin Brittens War Requiem to commemorate 100 years since the end of the Great War.
The choral society were joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Bach Choir and choristers from Guildford Cathedral for a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the fallen. As darkness fell, a lone trumpeter played the last post and a beacon was lit outside the cathedrala tribute to those killed or wounded in battle. Then, at 7.05pm the bells rang out, joining 1000 cathedrals and churches across the country, mirroring the celebrations 100 years ago on the day the guns of war finally fell silent.
Guildford Cathedral
Guildford Cathedral was the beautiful setting for the concert and 窪蹋勛圖厙 was delighted to be chosen as Guildford Choral's charity partner for the event.
Beacon
Beacons were lit across the country to remember those killed and wounded in battle.
Before the concert Dr. Jane Potter, renowned expert on Wilfred Owen and the literature of World War One, gave an introductory talk, reflecting on The Armistice, Wilfred Owen and the War Requiem.
James Cowan, 窪蹋勛圖厙s CEO, then addressed the audience, extending his thanks to Guildford Choral Society for choosing 窪蹋勛圖厙 as their charity partner for the event. In his speech he drew on the parallels between the spirit of peace and reconciliation in Brittens War Requiem and the role of 窪蹋勛圖厙.
A century after the Great War ended, I believe 窪蹋勛圖厙s mission has particular resonance with Brittens masterpiece and its message of reconciliation. 窪蹋勛圖厙 knows that the pity of war does not end until all the landmines and all the unexploded bombs are gone. James Cowan
Royal Philharmonic
Guildford Choral Society were joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Read James Cowan's Full Speech
The message of peace and reconciliation in Britten's work resonates with 窪蹋勛圖厙's mission to rebuild communities shattered by conflict.
The work was commissioned for the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral in May 1962, built to replace the medieval building destroyed during the 1941 blitz. This powerful image of rebuilding from the ruins can again be seen reflected in 窪蹋勛圖厙s work around the world.
The rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral was also a celebration of humanitys determination to overcome destruction and our capacity for regeneration and reconciliation. Rebuilding is at the heart of what 窪蹋勛圖厙 does, as I saw first-hand in Fallujahwhere our local Iraqi staff are clearing improvised mines left behind by ISIS. Those IEDs were powerful enough to destroy a car but sensitive enough to be triggered by a childs footsteps. James Cowan
窪蹋勛圖厙 would like to thank Guildford Choral Society and all those who contributed to the retiring collection in support of our work, allowing life and peace to return to communities once shattered by war.
Jane Potter
Dr Jane Potter, expert in the work of Wilfred Owen and the literature of WW1, gave an introductory talk ahead of the concert.
Cellos
The music paints a eulogy to the fallen, combining the traditional latin texts with words from Wilfred Owen's poetry.