Those old enough may remember Night Mail, John Grierson’s classic 1936 documentary for the GPO film unit following the journey of a Scotland-bound mail train.
With music by Benjamin Britten and words by WH Auden, this information film for postal workers achieved iconic status, made memorable by Auden’s verse that evokes the clattering of the train along the tracks:
“This is the night mail crossing the border bringing the cheque and the postal order”.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra will be introducing Night Mail to a new generation of children with concerts in Edinburgh and Glasgow, in which an extract of the film will be screened with the orchestra playing Britten’s score and presenter Paul Rissmann reading Auden’s poem. The concerts also feature works by Italian filmmakers Gianini and Luzzati. Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s Tale, is being performed to visuals by Iain Piercy.
The aim of the concerts is to provide children with an exciting, approachable introduction to classical music through multi-media presentation.
“Night Mail”: 3pm, May 6, Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh (0131 668 2019); May 7, City Halls, Glasgow (0141 353 8000). Tickets: adults pound;9.50 adults; children pound;5; family pound;25
