In partnership with:
The Great War Symphony is a new choral symphony in aid of SSAFA to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. The complete work received its World Premiere in London’s Royal Albert Hall on 9th October 2018 in partnership with Classic FM as part of the national commemorations to mark the end of the centenary.
The concert brought together the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, London Youth Choir, Berkshire Youth Choir, Invictus Games Choir, Louise Alder (soprano), Joshua Ellicott (tenor) and Military Bands.
The Symphony went on to receive its U.S. Premiere in New York’s Carnegie Hall on 11 November 2018 – the exact centenary of Armistice Day.
VIDEOS
BBC interview
Interview – Patrick Hawes
Music & Memories – Uncle Harry
No Cross or Headstone
National Youth Choir of Scotland
National Youth Choir of Scotland
The Dead Soldier
Cross Border Youth Choir (Ireland and N.I.)
Cross Border Youth Choir (Ireland and N.I.)
Blow Out, You Bugles
Kana Choir (Wales)
Kana Choir (Wales)
Music & Memories – Charles & Leslie Carr
Music & Memories – Uncle Bertie
Music & Memories – Stanley Lloyd Sunnucks
NEWS
THE GREAT WAR SYMPHONY
The Sheet Music for a selection of Patrick's favourite excerpts from the Symphony is now available!
CLASSICAL MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Great War Symphony project has generated £83,000 towards SSAFA's Norton House.
SCARLET & GOLD
Cadogan Hall
CLASSICAL MPR
Interview
JOINT U.S. PREMIERES
The Great War Symphony
BBC SOUNDS
Interview
VIKING CRUISES
Interview
BEHIND THE SCENES
Classic FM Live
WORLD PREMIERE
Listen again
THE TEAM
The Great War Symphony has been organised by a team dedicated to ensuring that those who fought in the First World War are remembered through this tribute in music to their sacrifice. As well as our media partners at Classic FM, the team has been made up of experts in producing large scale concerts, events, and recordings, who all aimed to provide an ongoing legacy to SSAFA and the vital role this charity provides to our Armed Forces and their families.
Governed by a board of Trustees who made and approved our charity’s policy, we were privileged to have Patrons with direct family links to the First World War including to the two most senior British commanders in WW1.
OUR TRUSTEES
- Lord Astor of Hever (Patron)
- Andrew Sunnucks (Patron)
- Lady Lucy French (Patron & Independent Trustee)
- Penelope, Viscountess Cobham CBE (Independent Trustee)
- Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter (Independent Trustee)
- Mr Christopher Joll (Trustee)
- Mr Andy Berry (Trustee)

