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Classic FM Drive with John Brunning 5pm - 7pm
Katherine Jenkins and a host of classical stars celebrate VE Day at 70 at the Royal Albert Hall
Join us for a night of remembrance, celebration and (of course) great music. We join the country's finest musicians for a concert in London's most iconic concert hall, hosted by Classic FM's John Suchet and Myleene Klass.
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1. A night of words, music, reflection, remembrance and celebration
Katherine Jenkins sings Ivor Novello's beautiful song 'We'll Gather Lilacs.' It was just one of many highlights during this very special night
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2. The night's honoured guest, World War II veteran George Batts
One of the night's most moving moments, was the reading of an anonymous poem written on a scrap of paper found in a trench in 1942 - 'Stay with me God, the night it dark'. Photo: JAB Promotions
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3. The Royal Albert Hall
London's majestic musical amphitheatre is the scene of tonight's concert, broadcast live on Classic FM from 7.30pm
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4. Our presenters, and the finest musicains
Tonight's hosts John Suchet and Myleene Klass will be joined by singer Rebecca Ferguson and other brilliant musicians, making it a night to remember in London's most spectacular music venue.
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5. A night of memories and celebration
70 years ago people famously took to the fountains in Trafalgar Square in celebration of the end of fighting in Europe. Tonight, we dive into the the most beautiful music to salute that historic day.
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6. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The RPO is tonight's superb orchestra. The music is on the stands - first up tonight is 'Hymn to the Fallen'.
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7. Timpani
These are going to come in useful when the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra thunders out Holst's 'Mars - the Bringer of War' from 'The Planets' Suite.
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8. The Royal Albert Hall Stage
With the audience and honoured guests taking their seats, it's time for the concert to begin - broadcast live on Classic FM
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9. Tonight's hosts
Classic FM presenters John Suchet and Myleene Klass introduce tonight's programme of music and readings to celebrate that unforgettable day in 1945
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10. It's a night of celebration
And there's no better place for an epic concert of thankful remembrance than the Royal Albert Hall. In front of a packed audience, our very special show got underway.
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11. Maestro and orchestra
Mike Dixon conducts the mighty Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Holst's 'Mars – The Bringer of War'.
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12. Katherine Jenkins
The Welsh mezzo-soprano on stage before a packed Royal Albert Hall - with many listening at home too, of course.
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13. And a little smile
With the audience in raptures after her performance, Katherine sends them all a radiant smile! Nicely sung tonight, Katherine! Photo: JAB Promotions
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14. Wynne Evans
Welsh tenor Wynne Evans gives a rousing performance of 'I Vow to Thee my Country' Photo: JAB Promotions
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15. Rebecca Ferguson
The night's nostalgia took on a distictly jazzy tinge when the X Factor star took to the stage. She serenaded the audience with the Broadway classics 'I'll be Seeing You' and Gershwin's 'Embraceable You' Photo: JAB Promotions
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16. One of this country's finest orchestras
A night like this needs the best band. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed Holst, Coates, John Williams and of course Elgar - all under the baton of tonight's maestro Mike Dixon. And it sounded amazing. Photo: JAB Promotions
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17. Theme from Schindler's List
It was a moving moment when the Leader of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra turned soloist for this exquisite John Williams classic. The Royal Albert hall was transfixed. Photo: JAB Promotions
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18. Today is all about 1945
Getting right into the spirit, with a very appropriate method of transportation are Classic FM presenters John Suchet and Myleene Klass, with singer and songwriter Rebecca Ferguson.
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19. Winston Churchill celebrates with the thousands
The Prime Minister waves to crowds in one of the most iconic photos from the day, taken in Whitehall, London.
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20. Randolph Churchill
Among the distinguished guests at tonight's concert are members of Sir Winston Churchill's family - The Prime Minister's great-grandson gave a powerful reading at the Royal Albert Hall to help mark this anniversary.
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21. What are your memories?
Do you, or members of your family have recollections of that day in May 1945. John Brunning read some of your memories, reflections and stories, and we continue to share more on ClassicFM.com. Do get in touch!
