On Sunday 11th November, the choir took part in a large choral and orchestral concert to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War 1 at the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff.  The concert involved four established local choirs, The Southend Choral Society, Southend Festival Chorus, Southend Bach Choir & Eastwood Chorale, who were joined by the Southend Symphony Orchestra to present an afternoon of music for Remembrance.

The concert included Elgar’s “Music Makers” and  “Nimrod”, music by John Williams, Parry, Butterworth, Sibelius and Holst in addition to music for audience participation with traditional WW1 songs, and “Land of Hope and Glory”. The choirs and orchestra were also joined by members of the Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs and the concert was conducted by guest BBC conductor Grace Rossiter.

The foyer of the Cliffs Pavilion had displays of photographs from the international exhibition “Fields of Battle, Lands of Peace 14-18” by photographer Michael St Maur Sheil, in addition to a wave of poppies created by local communities.

Help for Heroes attended the concert selling merchandise and collecting for the charity. We were very pleased that they collected £978.50 on the day and were also able to raise awareness of the work they perform in support of our wounded soldiers.