91Èȱ¬

Writer Dr Richard Baxell introduces a series of readings and poems which explore the bravery and idealism of the British members of the International Brigades who set off to fight with the Republicans in Spain against Franco and Fascism during the Spanish Civil War.
The first half of tonight’s Prom features Benjamin Britten’s political and impassioned Ballad of Heroes, a setting to music of texts about the war by WH Auden and Randall Swingler. Actors Christopher Eccleston and Yolanda Vasquez will read an array of moving pieces by writers from literary icons such as George Orwell and Cecil Day-Lewis to the ordinary working-class men who signed up to fight. One poem by volunteer soldier John Cornford, who perished in the conflict, is dedicated to his sweetheart Margot Heineman and is called Heart of the Heartless World. We are lucky to have Margot’s daughter with us who will read out this heart-rending poem.
Presented by Clemency Burton-Hill.

Edited version broadcast on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3 during tonight's interval.

Booking is not required for this event. Entry is on a first-come-first-served basis (doors open from 30 minutes before the event begins; capacity is limited).

Image: Proms Extra © Chris Christodoulou/91Èȱ¬