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National Gallery daytime concerts during WWII, 1939
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National Gallery daytime concerts during WWII, 1939
Emptied of its Old Masters (transferred to a place of safety in the country), the National Gallery re-opened to the public as a concert hall during World War II. Performances were given every day except Saturday and Sunday with many artists performing for free. Picture shows a general view of the crowded hall with standing room only when Dame Myra Hess, the famous pianist, and responsible for organising the concerts, was playing. Date: 1939
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Media ID 7244017
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10583041
Audience C Ulture Concert Concerts Gallery Hess Lunch Time Myra Performance Performances Ww Ii War Time
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, the National Gallery in London transformed into an unexpected beacon of hope and culture. With its Old Masters safely relocated to secure locations outside of London, the gallery reopened its doors to the public as a concert hall. Every day, except for Saturdays and Sundays, the gallery came alive with the sound of music, as renowned artists graced the stage to perform for the crowds. In this evocative photograph taken in 1939, we see a general view of the crowded National Gallery hall during one of these lunchtime concerts. The atmosphere is electric, with standing room only as the audience eagerly awaits the performance of the esteemed pianist, Dame Myra Hess. Her presence was instrumental in organizing these concerts, providing a much-needed respite from the harsh realities of war. The National Gallery's transformation into a concert venue was a testament to the enduring power of art and music during trying times. It served as a reminder that even in the midst of war, culture could still thrive and bring people together. This image captures the spirit of unity and hope that permeated these extraordinary performances, offering a glimpse into the frontlines of war-time culture during the II World War.
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