The Lark Ascending

Diana Rigg explores the enduring popularity of composer Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, which was written in 1914 as Europe approached the First World War. The programme culminates in a performance by 15-year-old violinist Julia Hwang and pianist Charles Matthews at Shirehampton Public Hall, Bristol, where the piece was premiered in December 1920. Featuring contributions by actor Peter Sallis, performer Tasmin Little, and critic and friend of the composer, Michael Kennedy.