Sunday May 4 – 7.30 pm – St. Catherine’s Church – Tickets £19.50

In this unique performance, violinist Matthew Trusler is joined by the internationally renowned pianist Martin Roscoe in performances of sonatas by Elgar, Janáček and Debussy, all written during the Great War. Accompanying the music are readings, spoken by screen and stage legend Timothy West, which draw on Wilfred Owen’s letters and poems, mainly written between 1917 and 1918. They reveal Owen’s moral courage and humanity triumphing over the worst possible conditions. The readings are interspersed with original recordings of wartime music hall songs, familiar to every soldier on the Western Front.

The Pity of War has been produced in association with the Imperial War Museum

Matthew Trusler has developed a reputation as one of Britain’s leading violinists. Performing on a bow once owned by Heifetz, Trusler has been invited to perform as a recitalist and concerto soloist throughout Europe, Australia, the USA, Japan and South Africa. In the UK he has performed with major orchestras, including the BBC orchestras, the Philharmonia, London Philharmonic, City of Birmingham, Halle and Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. matthewtrusler.com

With an extraordinary career spanning over 4 decades, Martin Roscoe is unarguably one of the UK’s best loved pianists. Renowned for his versatility at the keyboard, Martin is equally at home in concerto, recital and chamber performances. In an ever more distinguished career, his enduring popularity and the respect in which he is universally held are built on a deeply thoughtful musicianship allied to an easy rapport with audiences and fellow musicians alike. martinroscoe.co.uk

Timothy West is a versatile British actor noted for his great power and command on the classical stage and in other mediums including radio, film and television. Along with definitive portrayals of Lear, Macbeth, Falstaff and Shylock, he became well-respected as a stage director. Recently, he directed a touring production of "H.M.S. Pinafore" while delightfully grandstanding in the role of Sir Joseph Porter. Other recent performances include "National Hero" and the title role in "The Life of Galileo”.