Lincoln Cathedral will host a special concert on Saturday 13 May 2023, to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Chastise, better known as the Dambusters Raid.

The Band of the Royal Air Force College will perform a musical programme with pieces from the WWII era to present day, highlighting Lincolnshire’s strong aviation history as the original home of the RAF 617 Squadron.

Internationally renowned composer, Sir Karl Jenkins will join the concert to conduct For the Fallen alongside Lincoln Cathedral Choir who also join the event, which will be compered by Melvyn Prior, BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

Sir Karl Jenkins’ music is well known, including ‘Benedictus’ and cross-genre phenomenon ‘Adiemus’ which featured in the 2009 blockbuster film Avatar.

Lincoln Cathedral’s Director of Music, Aric Prentice said “We are delighted to be taken part in this superb concert. The chance for us to work with the Band of the Royal Air Force College and Sir Karl Jenkins will be wonderful for us at the cathedral and will properly signify Lincolnshire’s place at the heart of aviation in this country and the sacrifices made by so many.”

The concert, being held in the Nave of the Cathedral is raising funds for Lincoln Cathedral and the RAF Music Charitable Trust and follows the successful ‘Royal Salute’ concert held in November 2022 which paid tribute to the late HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Malcolm Goodman, Trustee of RAF Music Charitable Trust said “It’s a privilege to be back in the cathedral once again for this special fundraising concert to recognise the work of 617 Squadron and Bomber Command, and such a unique musical occasion for the Band of the Royal Air Force College to perform with the cathedral choir conducted by Sir Karl Jenkins. Certainly a ‘one-off’ concert not to be missed”

Squadron Leader Richard Murray, Director of Music (RAF) said “RAF Music is delighted to celebrate aviation history past, present and future through music, and will relish the opportunity to work alongside Sir Karl Jenkins and the superb Lincoln Cathedral Choir.”

 

Tickets for the concert can be purchased via the cathedral’s website at: https://lincolncathedral.com/forthcoming-events/dambusters-anniversary-concert/