Coope, Boyes and Simpson

Event information

Coope Boyes & Simpson
In Flanders Fields


The more we learn about war, the more important it becomes to sing about peace.

Peace has been a recurring theme of the powerful and distinctive singing and songwriting of the English
a cappella trio Barry Coope, Jim Boyes and Lester Simpson. Haunting and irreverent, the words and music of In Flanders Fields catch the indestructible spirit that defied one of the greatest human tragedies of the twentieth century. Bringing together eye-witness accounts, contemporary poetry and songs specially commissioned for the town of Passchendaele's Peace Concerts, In Flanders Fields takes its name from the poem written by John McCrae who was killed on the Western Front in the First World War. Coope Boyes and Simpson have established a justifiable following for the quality of their singing, the subtlety of their harmonies and the sharpness of their observations. Not afraid to prick the bubble of the pompous they are able to convey their message with cutting precision tempered by humour when necessary. With superb a cappella singing and evocative songs, this
internationally acclaimed trio hauntingly bring home the humour and courage of those who took part in the War to end all Wars.
"The incomparable Coope Boyes and Simpson," Mark Radcliffe

"It was, in turn, sad, funny, ironic, whimsical, horrific, poignant - tears of sorrow were immediately replaced by tears of laughter." Folk on Tap

"As passionate a tour de force of unaccompanied singing as you can imagine." MOJO

"Coope Boyes & Simpson are currently our most inspiring vocal harmony group. Few can compete live with their voices, whether singing an unaccompanied traditional song or one of their own."
Colin Irwin, BBC Radio2