TO mark the centenary of World War One, pianist Alex Wilson will perform a musical tribute to composers whose lives were cut tragically short during the Great War at his latest concert to be held in the Chapter House, Gloucester Cathedral. All profits from the concert will be donated to the British Red Cross.

The concert, entitled The Banks of Green Willow – the music of the ‘Great War’ 1914 – 1918, will feature much loved favourites by Ravel, Bridge and Ivor Gurney, a new work by James Whittle and a series of rarely heard miniatures by composers all killed in action.

Alex explains: “I have always had a great interest in history and the links to musical history. I wanted to do something to mark this important year and also to raise the profiles of some wonderful musicians who were composing fabulous works during the war, but who are not so well known or do not get played so often because their lives were cut so short. I wanted to do this for a charity that held some significance to the First World War and so the British Red Cross was the obvious choice.”

Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs) played an integral role in supporting people during the First World War by working in auxiliary hospitals, driving ambulances and raising funds to care for the sick and wounded. Over 90,000 people served as VADs for the Red Cross and Order of St. John during the Great War, including authors Agatha Christie and Vera Brittain, creating a force which formed the backbone of military nursing.

Hannah Pook, community fundraiser at the Red Cross, says: “We are incredibly grateful to Alex for holding this fantastic concert on behalf of the Red Cross. Events such as this are a really important source of fundraising for the Red Cross and will ensure we can continue to support vulnerable people in crisis both locally and overseas"

Tickets are still available for the concert which takes place at the Chapter House, Gloucester Cathedral on 12 November. Tickets cost £10/£8 if booked in advance or £12/£10 on the door.

There will be an interval at which refreshments will be served. To secure your ticket or for more information, visit www.thebanksofgreenwillow.weebly.com or contact Alex on 07985160854 or alexanderjameswilson@hotmail.com