CCGS Echo Ensemble perform at the 80th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuations – the ‘Little Ships’

As part of the 85th anniversary of the evacuation of Dunkirk, local composer Donna McKevitt had the vision to mount a huge mini-concert on the inner harbour arm at Ramsgate yesterday…  
 
She wrote the piece for a 4 part choir (SATB), then added a soprano and tenor soloists, a string quartet, and brass within the piece itself. Then she expanded it with spoken words by a Dunkirk veteran, and an opening trumpet fanfare, played from a balcony on the Royal Parade, and echoed by a second trumpet near the choirs. 
 
Over 70 Little Ships were in the harbour over the weekend, and they also played a part in the piece, sounding their sirens halfway through, and again at the end. 
 
The whole harbour area was thronged with onlookers who responded ecstatically to the piece. 
 
It was one of those never-to-be-repeated occasions, and being able to sing or perform for it was not only a great privilege, but hugely moving too and our students hopefully felt proud to be able to take part in the event. 
 
The lyrics… 
You sent out beyond your recall, go out to the limits of your longing, embody me, 
Flare up like a flame and make big shadows I can move in, embody me. 
Let everything happen to you, beauty and terror. 
Just keep going, no feeling is final. 
Don’t let yourself lose me. 
Nearby is the country they call life; you will know it by its seriousness. 
Give me your hand.