Performer Benjamin Luxon Friday, February 25th at 7:00 P.M. Benjamin Luxon will present: "Poetry, Poets and the First World War" The performance will be at a private home in Padang Galak. The event is free and open to the public, but voluntary donations will gladly be accepted to benefit YKIP. Seating is limited. To reserve a space, please RSVP to YKIP (info@ykip.org) and directions will be sent to you. The program will trace the effect that the prolonged first world war had upon its soldier-poets. Originally billed as "the war to end all wars," WWI heralded the most violent century in the history of the human race. For the first time, mankind came to realize he could possibly destroy civilization. 30 years later, WWII verified this reality, giving us the sure knowledge that we have the means to achieve our Armageddon. There was no such knowledge at the advent of WWI. Those who died before 1915 were able to imagine that their endeavors and sacrifice were heroic - Rupert Brooke, for example. Those who survived into the later years experiencing the true horror of the war, came to understand the real cost and the vanity of that cost. In a vivid and profound performance, Ben Luxon brings to life the direct, graphic poetry of these soldier-poets. Siegfried Sasson, with his satire and anger, Wolfred Owen with richness of imagery and compassion, Isaac Rosenberg and Robert Graves for their objectivity and clarity of vision, and the composer poet Ivor Gurney. The list runs on as their words convey anger, horror, outrage, fatalism, compassion, sorrow, nostalgia, love and vision. Terribly pertinent to today's world, this performance sheds light on the nature of war, and on the enduring sensitivity, vulnerability and expressiveness of the individual human spirit amidst war's horrors. About Benjamin Luxon: Benjamin Luxon's career as one of Great Britain's major international singers was founded upon his unusual versatility as a recitalist, concert and opera singer. He worked with most of the world's major conductors and orchestras, performing at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and Glyndebourne; European opera houses; Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt and on to Prague, the Metropolitan, Vienna State opera and La Scala Milan. He made well over 100 recordings ranging from Early Music to Contemporary, including light music, musicals, Victorian ballads and music hall, and his notable folk singing partnership with banjo player Bill Crofut. His work was graced with a high musicality, honesty and a very fine acting ability. In 1986 he was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his service to British Music. In 1990 his career was jeopardized by sudden hearing loss and in face of continued hear-ing fluctuation and deterioration he ended his singing career in the mid-90's. He has continued to conduct master classes, direct opera, and perform and record the spoken word. His captivating presence, extraordinary theatrical talent, refined artistry, and the powerful instrument of his voice continue to arrest his audiences. |