The continuing centenary of the First World War will be commemorated in an unusual way at Hereford Cathedral on Tuesday, June 14th. The Assistant Director of Music, Peter Dyke will play a programme of music exploring conflict and resolution, much of it written by composers whose lives were affected by the devastating wars in Europe during the 20th century.

Central to the programme is Max Reger’s Trauerode, a moving and heartfelt musical reaction to the tragic destruction he saw all around him in 1916. Also featuring in the concert is Litanies, a popular and dramatic work by Frenchman Jehan Alain, who was killed in action in 1940 at the age of 29.

"It’s easy after 70 years of peace in Europe to forget that wars were for so long a regular and terrible reality for Britain and her neighbours," said Peter. "Music can perhaps teach us a great deal: conflict and the patient working out of a resolution is so often a crucial feature of the best music. Perhaps this is most clearly seen in the final piece I’ll be playing, a spectacular transcription of the orchestral favourite Romeo and Juliet by Tchaikovsky; a wonderful and colourful work containing what must be one of the best tunes ever written."

Full details of the concert, which starts at 7.15 pm, may be found on Hereford Cathedral’s website: http://www.herefordcathedral.org. Tickets, priced at £10 (£4 students), are available at the door or from the cathedral shop. Telephone 01432 374210 if you require any further information.