In this unique performance at the Isle of Arts Festival, violinist Matthew Trusler is joined by the internationally renowned pianist Ashley Wass in performances of sonatas by Elgar, Janacek 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.
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”.
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.
Described as an ‘endlessly fascinating artist’, pianist Ashley Wass is firmly established as one of the leading performers of his generation. He is the only British winner of the London International Piano Competition, prize-winner at the Leeds Piano Competition, and a former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist.
Increasingly in demand on the international stage, Ashley has performed at many of the world’s finest concert halls including Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Vienna Konzerthaus. In recent years he has become a regular guest at the BBC Proms, making his debut in 2008 with Vaughan Williams’ Piano Concerto, and returning in following seasons to perform works by Foulds Stravinsky, Antheil, and McCabe.
The Pity of War takes place on Sunday May 4 at 7.30 pm at St. Catherine’s Church. Tickets are priced at 19.50 each and can be booked through the Isle of Arts Festival Website.
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