In World War I, soldiers built improvised music instruments out of old munition boxes or other materials at hand which they then played at the front. Based on that fact
– such instruments are being found and rebuilt
– the destinies of the soldiers who built those instruments are being retraced
– their traces are being researched in written records
– a percussion instrument („Schrapnellophone“) will be built from old shell casings that are still to be found in great number in the former battle grounds in France.
The composition of a work of music precisely for those reconstructed instruments; the percussion instrument as well as a choir with soloists will also be commissioned. Its libretto will be based on texts that will be written/ selected during the course of the project.
The première will take place in the crater of Lochnagar (La Boiselle, Somme) in the summer 2018. Further concerts in other places will follow.