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Lost WWII Concerto Finally Heard After 80 Years
31 Oct
Summary
- A World War Two prisoner of war camp concerto is performed.
- Composed in anticipation of Allied victory, it was never played.
- The piece remained hidden in an attic for decades before discovery.
A significant piece of World War Two history has been brought to life, with the premiere performance of a concerto composed within a German prisoner of war camp. Alan Bolt, a resident of Barrow who passed away in 2019, penned "Overture for a Festival" towards the end of the war, celebrating the anticipated Allied triumph.
His widow, Alison Bolt, revealed that the composition was never performed at the time. The camp's liberation by Russian soldiers shortly after its completion prevented its intended debut. The original sheet music remained in the couple's attic in Cumbria for decades.
Recently, Alison Bolt took steps to ensure her late husband's music was heard. She collaborated with the Liverpool Philharmonic, leading to the piece's first public performance in Barrow Town Hall. Alison shared that Alan would have been overjoyed to see his work performed locally.
