This groundbreaking film combines hard-hitting documentary with the emotional power of music, to illuminate the lives of real people caught up in conflict. At its heart are stories of ordinary people – a boy, a soldier and a mother
A classical oratorio composed by Dominic Muldowney forms the backbone of the film, with words by poet and librettist Michael Symmons Roberts. It features performances from three soloists – soprano and musical theatre singer Maria Friedman, baritone Richard Morris and tenor Kevin Kyle. Woven into the fabric of the oratorio are original performances from musicians based in each of the three conflict zones.
The music is performed by the Brno Philharmonic, and the 40-strong choir was handpicked by internationally renowned vocal coach Mary King as part of the launch of Voicelab at London’s South Bank Centre.
Awards
Winner, Bafta, Best Sound Factual 2008
Winner, Conch Sound Awards, Best Television Documentary Audio Award 2007
Winner, RTS Craft and Design Awards, Sound – Entertainment and Non-Drama Productions 2007
Press
The shocking testimony of the mother will linger in the mind long after the programme has finished The Radio Times
Stunning… a haunting, hypnotic look at the reality of war Paul Hoggatt, The Times
Over its 90 minutes it reaches the sublime Time Out
Enormously moving Andrew Marr, BBC Radio 4
Remarkable…it’s not often that television makes your jaw drop but War Oratorio does it several times Bruce Dessau, The Times
It was a mesmerising piece of work, so vast, ambitious and cinematographically so awesome Independent on Sunday
