Orchestra of the Swan – Henry V & Facade

Walton arr. Ted Watson                As You Like it

Walton arr. Ted Watson               Henry V

Walton                                                 Façade

Conductor                                           Bruce O’Neil

Soprano                                               Jennifer Witton

Narrator                                               TBC

Reciter                                                  Tamsin Dalley

Henry V is the heroic score Walton provided for Laurence Olivier’s film of Shakespeare’s Henry V, stirring patriotic feelings during World War II. Tonight we get a rare chance to enjoy the chamber ensemble reduction by Ted Watson, a musician connected so strongly with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

William Walton was only 19 when he composed Façade, jazzy settings of surreal poetry by Edith Sitwell. Narrated through a megaphone from behind a painted curtain, its premiere 100 years ago caused a furore. Today it is appreciated as one of the most delicious works in the English music catalogue.