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Beyond the Trenches

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Beyond the Trenches was commissioned by Bentley Priory Museum as a finale to their exhibition, Dowding and WW1: The making of a Commander. It took place on Saturday 11 November 2017 and both shows were sold out. 

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The concert featured songs from the first world war alongside songs from 1900-1920. The programme included two new songs written by Bryan Kesselman and Philip Barnett on the subject of WW1. ​Performers included members of Tonic Choir, children from Kenmore Park School and guest soloist, Sarah Stroh.
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Link to CD information
Audience reaction
My husband doesn't usually comment much about our performances, usually just says "yes, that was lovely or very good well done" but today he REALLY enjoyed it , he found it deeply moving and thought we sounded very beautiful , he also appreciated the humour and all the little gems hidden in the programme.
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Thank you both so much for a wonderfully uplifting concert yesterday afternoon.  A lot of thought had gone into your choice of a programme which was well-balanced in content, very appropriate and, at the same time, showed the Choir and soloists off to perfection.  It was a good idea for Rachel to bring it all together, which she did well. I think the Choir excelled themselves.  Everyone was watching you, Philip, like hawks;  the disciplined dynamics and tempi were really impressive.  Great stuff - the best to date, I think. I enjoyed Sarah’s contribution, especially the beautiful Roses of Picardy.  I could hear every word.  You both were not half-bad either - consummate performers that you are!   I found “My Travelling Days are Done” and “what remains” incredibly moving - and I loved the Housman, - natch. What a treat!   You should be very proud!
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Thank you for the concert today. It was good to see the choir in action - it was an excellent performance. The standard is very high for an un-auditioned choir. 
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The show was excellent, the choir really have come on so much in what is really still just a short time and the emotion of the event was fabulous.
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Just a note to say thanks again for the lovely concert yesterday - I thought the programme was beautifully put together and the choirs as you say, sang their hearts out.  Soloists were equally impressive!
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Detailed programme (link)
Selection of photographs​ (link)