Our concert on 20 November was spectacular. A video has been professionally produced and will be available from 7pm on Saturday 26th as an Online Premiere. The link will be live afterwards On Demand as well.

Led by our renowned director Brian MacKay, The Unanswered Question: Music and Poetry of Searching and Peace brought together the Irish Doctors Choir and Orchestra Northwest for an exceptional concert, of superb music what promises to be an unmissable one-off concert.

We began with opening remarks by Children in Crossfire CEO Richard Moore. Richard's story started us on a journey about the futility and destruction of war, starting Da Pacem Domine, a universal prayer for peace about the pain and suffering of all of humankind during restless times. Poetry readings by local actors explored searching and the beauty of the unknown, with fear and hope at the same time.

Dona Nobis Pacem, Movements 2 and 3 (Beat, Beat Drums and Reconciliation), use poetry by Walt Whitman, in an upbeat, declamatory description of the overwhelming effects of war on people, their homes and countryside, followed by a compassionate musical message of ultimate reconciliation ending in a plea for peace.

This year is the 150th anniversary of the birth Ralph Vaughan-Williams, that giant of 20th century music, so it is fitting that we also perform his early piece, Toward the Unknown Region. The two previous pieces display Vaughan-Williams' versatility, musically portraying drama and tranquillity, both with deep pathos. However, Toward the Unknown Region is a soaring and inspiring celebration of the freedom of the soul, a truly fitting climax to this, our return to live performance.

Programme

Richard's Story

Da Pacem Domine, Arvo Pärt

The Unanswered Question, Charles Ives

Beat! Beat! Drums! & Reconciliation, movements 2&3 from Dona Nobis Pacem, Ralph Vaughan-Williams

Toward the Unknown Region, Ralph Vaughan-Williams