Walsall Town Hall to play host to Somme film
A film depicting one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War will be shown live this weekend accompanied with a musical score by a leading orchestra.
The Battle of the Somme, made in 1916 by Geoffrey Malins and John McDowell, is a full-length documentary feature with live footage of events. In recent years it has been digitally refreshed and a score composed specially for now digitally refreshed and with a specially composed score by Laura Rossi.
Last month the film, also known as SOMME 100, was shown in Stafford accompanied by Stafford Orchestra and Stafford Grammar School's orchestra.
Now this Saturday (JULY 15) the film will be shown at Walsall Town Hall with music from the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra.
Michael Lloyd, the musical director of the orchestra, said: "SOMME 100 is a great project for this wonderful orchestra, the Birmingham Philharmonic, to participate in.
"Laura Rossi's score creates a superb atmosphere for a fascinating and ultimately very moving film."
With the film ending its nationwide tour, this could well be the last time the film with its live soundtrack is played in the region.
The Town Hall has been described as 'the most appropriate venue' as two paintings by Frank Salisbury to commemorate 'the never-to-be-forgotten valour of the South Staffordshire Regiments in the Great War 1914-1918' hang there.
The film kicks off at 7.30pm with tickets costing £10, which are available either on the door on the night or in advance from www.priorbooking.com
