To mark Victory in Europe Day, join the Parliament Choir and Sinfonia Smith Square at the Houses of Parliament for an uplifting performance on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the announcement of peace in Europe.
The performance is one of the official events of four days of national celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The concert will be held in Westminster Hall, the oldest and most important part of the Palace of Westminster. Dating back to the reign of King William Rufus in 1097, the Hall has been the venue for Coronation Banquets and the Lying-in-State of Kings and Queens, home to our law courts and the trials of St Thomas More, King Charles I and Guy Fawkes. This event offers a rare opportunity to see the details of the magnificent medieval hammer-beam roof, which will be illuminated for the occasion.
A narrator will lead us through an evening of reflection on the declaration of peace 80 years ago. The 100-strong UK Parliament choir, supported by the wonderful orchestra of Sinfonia Smith Square, will perform classical music from countries around Europe as we unite in celebration of 80 years of peace.
The concert will feature Dvořák's beautiful Mass in D Major as well as:
- Bach Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring;
- Gjeilo Ubi Caritas;
- Duruflé Lux Aeterna;
- Vaughan Williams Nation shall not lift up a sword against nation (from Dona Nobis Pacem).
The concert will be conducted by the Parliament Choir's Composer-in-Residence and Chorus Master, Nicholas O'Neill.
