A NEW collaboration commemorating the centenary of the Battle of the Somme brought together some of the region’s most exciting contemporary and classical musicians at the weekend.

Asunder, at the Sunderland Empire yesterday (Sunday, July 10), featured Field Music, Royal Northern Sinfonia and Warm Digits, along with award-winning British artist and filmmaker Esther Johnson and music writer, film producer, curator and member of pop band Saint Etienne, Bob Stanley.

Asunder tells a powerful story of the North-East’s involvement in one of the most traumatic battles in military history through largely unknown personal experiences.

The film is narrated by Kate Adie, with Alun Armstrong as the voice of the Sunderland Daily Echo & Shipping Gazette.

Local quartet The Cornshed Sisters performed an a cappella rendition of traditional Wearside folk tune The Rigs of Sunderland Fair, which filmmaker Band member Marie Nixon said: “We were thrilled to be asked to be a small part of this amazing project as it's made by so many of our favourite artists and commemorates Sunderland's contribution to such an important event in our history.”

The project is the first North-East co-commission in the national 14-18 NOW programme, as part of the UK’s official centenary commemorations.

Mr Stanley said: “Along with the other events going on inside and outside the Empire, it made it a really memorable day, and I hope one that people will be talking about for years to come.

“I want everyone who sees Asunder to take pride in the region’s unique history and to feel they can help to build its future.”