Juliet The Moon
A Live Installation held at Manchester Central Library
Letters sent between Frank Merrick, pianist and tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music, and his wife Hope Squires throughout Merrick’s imprisonment during WWI for his conscientious objection to the war provided the inspiration for a unique evening of music held in Manchester Central Library on May 18th as part of the ‘Manchester After Hours’ 2017 event.
More than 200 people enjoyed two new works by RNCM composers Philippos Rousiamanis and Deane Smith performed by an ensemble of singers and cellists, with singing glasses. Both pieces explored themes of intimacy and loss, performed separately but then gradually combining as the evening progressed.
Those attending were also able to explore a display of letters, programmes, articles and other materials uncovered during the RNCM’s research into the musical life of Manchester during the First World War.
For more on the Making Music in Manchester during World War 1 project see their website at https://musicmcrww1.wordpress.com/
