Symphony of Waves was part of Danny Boyle's Pages of the Sea

On the Armistice Centenary, the Pandemonium Drummers performed their new piece Symphony of Waves in Folkestone as part of Danny Boyle's Pages of the Sea.

In the afternoon of the day when beach portraits of individuals from the First World War were painted in the sand before being washed away by the incoming tide, two performances of Symphony of Waves represented our version of a goodbye to those who did not return.

Danny Boyle, director of the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony from which the Pandemonium Drummers emerged, described the performance as "very moving", which was reflected by tears in the eyes of a number of spectators.

In six waves of Arrival, Awareness, Anticipation, Concern, Solidarity and Goodbye, over 40 volunteer amateur performers acoustically explored emotional states that people departing for the First World War might have experienced.

The piece responded not just to the occasion, but also to the location, Folkestone Harbour Arm from where 10 million servicepeople departed, with drummers ending the performance with a walk towards the sea, mirroring the soldiers' the final steps on British soil.

The result was a gripping contribution to the commemorative events of the day, and the final part of our performance forms the soundtrack in the official video summary of the day by organisers 14-18 NOW.


Find out more about the Symphony of Waves

Thanks to 14-18 NOW, local delivery partners Creative Foundation Folkestone, venue host Folkestone Harbour Arm for putting their trust in us.

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Photos by Vilma Laryea

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ABOUTPandemonium Drummers

The Pandemonium Drummers were originally put together by London 2012 Ceremonies for the Pandemonium segment of Danny Boyle's spectacular Olympic Opening Ceremony. Following the Ceremony, the volunteer drummers kept on performing at a variety of events.

Based on their extensive training, they performed at other Opening Ceremonies, including the UEFA Champions League Final 2013, the FA Cup Final 2014, and the Heineken Cup Final 2014, and at a variety of large and small festivals as well as sports and community events. The Pandemonium Drummers are a returning act in London's major parades, including the London New Years' Day Parade, St Patrick's Day Parade, and the Lord Mayor's Show, and they coined Cheer Drumming, supporting runners at major sports events across the capital and beyond. The Pandemonium Drummers have supported the Special Olympics, the Teenage Cancer Trust, and a wide range of other charities.

The Pandemonium Drummers are a constituted association with charitable aims, and are working on a non-profit basis as volunteers.

[ More about the Pandemonium Drummers ]