Lentune Probus Club enjoyed an intriguing personal reflection on the power and influence that many types of protest music hold over us from Dr Alistair Smith at our October lunch meeting.

Ranging from the struggles of Shostakovich in the Soviet Union of the mid 20th Century with his hidden messages of drama and despair to the music of the Holocaust, the protests of Black America in the forms of Nina Simone and Paul Robeson to the wonderfully witty, but caustic, Tom Learer. 

On the way we listened to a diverse selection of musicians such as Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Benjamin Britten, Tippett, Barry McGuire, Joan Baez and even Flanders and Swan all of whom have in their ways expressed protest in their compositions and performances.

Alistair was an intriguing and informative guide supported by his wide knowledge and deep research into the genre leading to an extremely interesting and thought provoking talk.

Lentune Probus Club meets monthly at the South Lawn Hotel as well as holding a range of interesting visits and informal get togethers throughout the year. If you would like to learn more please visit lentuneprobus.co.uk or contact David Newnham on 01590 642124 or by email on otishome@btinternet.com.