Chelsea History Festival 2026Performance

Out of Silence: Musical Performance and Spoken-Word Recital

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Location:
National Army Museum

Date & time:
Sunday 4 Oct 2026, 1.00pm - 2.00pm

Price:
Free

A moving recital tracing the human experience of the First World War through British art song and spoken poetry by women war poets.

About the event

The First World War reshaped borders, communities and the social fabric of nations. Out of Silence approaches this history through music and poetry created by those who lived through it.

This recital for mezzo-soprano and piano includes songs by composers such as Ivor Gurney, who wrote music while serving in the trenches, and George Butterworth, who was killed during the Battle of the Somme. Spoken interludes bring the work of three women war poets into the programme, allowing voices too rarely heard alongside this music to take their place.

The performance also includes the world premiere of a newly commissioned setting of Margaret Postgate Cole’s Præmaturi, composed by Anna Disley-Simpson.

Sophie Davis

Sophie Davis is a mezzo-soprano and graduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Her recital programmes bring together art song, poetry and history, with recent performances at Burgh House, The Dysart, St Michael’s Highgate and St James’s Sussex Gardens.

Anna Reiley

Anna Reiley is a collaborative pianist from Hawaiʻi, now based in London. She performs widely across the UK with singers and choirs and has appeared at venues including the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Chicago Symphony Hall.

Festival planning

Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at the National Army Museum. Many Chelsea History Festival venues are within walking distance of one another, but journey times vary. If you are booking events close together, please allow enough time to travel comfortably between venues.

Estimated walking times from this venue: 3 minutes to Royal Hospital Chelsea, 4 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 5 minutes to Chelsea Physic Garden, 10 minutes to Royal Court Theatre, 12 minutes to Cadogan Hall, 14 minutes to Chelsea Old Church and 23 minutes to Chelsea Theatre.

FAQs

Is the National Army Museum accessible?

Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,

Are bikes or scooters allowed?

Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.

Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.

How can I book tickets?

Online booking is available 24/7 on this website.

You can book by phone on 0131 226 0014 from Monday – Friday 10 – 6pm from 10 July but will need to make payment at the time. We cannot reserve tickets.

You can book in person at the National Army Museum from Wednesday 25 – Sunday 29th if there is still availability at that time, which we cannot guarantee.

Is there a booking fee and what are the terms & conditions?

Please see the full terms & conditions on the booking platform when you book tickets.

The booking fee is £2.00 and this applies online, on the telephone and in person.

All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, with the exception of cancelled events which we will refund within 28 days. The organising venue reserves the right to change event speakers and content may be subject to change. Refunds will not be issued if the event is still taking place.

Are there concessionary tickets?

There are no concessions for Chelsea History Festival tickets, which have been priced as reasonably as possible. People requiring a carer, support worker or personal assistant will get a complimentary carer ticket. To book this please contact our box office on 0131 226 0014.

Proof of concession is required for these tickets so please be prepared to show relevant ID.