Songs from the First World War theatre production Blood + Chocolate will be performed in the atmospheric setting of York Castle Museum’s new exhibition this Remembrance Sunday.

Original choir members from the production, which was successfully performed on York’s streets in 2013, have reunited for the special event.

Small groups of choir members will be placed in different exhibition spaces, with the songs composed by Heather Fenoughty chosen to reflect the themes and artefacts on show in the particular galleries of 1914: When the World Changed Forever.

The event is included in the admission price, which is free to York Card holders.
Alison Bodley, senior curator of history, said:

“When we were approached by the Blood + Chocolate choir we thought it was the perfect way to mark this very special Remembrance Day.

“The choir are fantastic and hearing their emotive songs performed against the backdrop of our exhibition is a thought provoking and moving experience.”

Shino Mogan, a member of the choir, said:

“We all loved and enjoyed Heather’s music last year. It is such a privilege for us to sing it again at York Castle Museum this year in honour of the First World War centenary.”

The choir will be performing between 2pm and 4.30pm. They will be split into four groups of singers.

The first group will be positioned in the Belle Époque gallery, performing music conveying a sense of excitement and restrained thrill to reflect the optimism in Britain in 1914 when war broke out.

The second group will be in the Supplies Room singing upbeat and inclusive music.

In the Home Front section of the exhibition a Women’s Quartet will perform a piece that is wistful and melancholy, reflective of the war from a woman’s point of view.

The final piece. Angus Dei, will be performed at the end of the exhibition. This will be more spiritual and religious in tone, conveying the innocence lost and the slaughter of millions of men on both sides.

It is hoped the music will create an atmospheric backdrop for visitors as they look around the exhibition.

Blood + Chocolate was a co-production with Pilot Theatre, York Theatre Royal and Slung Low, written by Mike Kenny. With a cast of more than 200 the First World War play was performed on the streets of York between October 3 and 20 2013, receiving critical acclaim and selling out.

1914: When the World Changed Forever opened at York Castle Museum on June 28. The exhibition was part of a £1.7 million project, with the majority of the funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.