A SCOTTISH producer and composer is organising an international tribute in New York to the volunteers from more than 50 countries, including Scotland, who battled fascism during the Spanish Civil War.
Phil Ferns, whose work encompasses TV, radio and live events, will host the musical homage at the legendary Theatre 80 in Manhattan on April 8, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict. The venue has hosted stars such as Robert De Niro, Joan Crawford, Billy Crystal and Frank Sinatra.
Ferns, from Glasgow, told The National: “It will be a tribute to the Scots and other volunteers from 53 countries who fought fascism to preserve human rights, democracy and freedom.
“We’ll be featuring new songs and collaborations from Scottish, Irish, American and Catalan artists and it will also include music and words from celebrated African American artists, celebrating their unique role in the conflict.
“Jazz legend David Amram, who composed the Manchurian Candidate and Holocaust opera Final Ingredient, will work together with artists such as Jack Kerouac, Dizzy Gillespie and Edward Camus. Josh White Jnr, a Grammy Award-winner and godson of Theodore Roosevelt, and whose grandfather was lynched by the KKK, will also appear. The Scottish songbook inspired by the conflict will include the premiere of Gaelic renditions from the poems of Garcia Lorca.”
Artist Douglas McKechnie, who had friends who volunteered in the war and whose Homage to Catalonia raised £3000 for Catalan causes when it was auctioned last year, will also create new works for the show.
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