The De La Warr Pavilion is sold out but you can still see PUSH at

St Mary’s Church, Battle

Sat 8th Oct | 7.30pm

Tickets: £10, £5 under 18’s from BattleFestival.co.uk, Farrago & The Crafty Norman in Battle


Powerful new opera explores themes of invasion, loss and the redeeming power of human goodness

A World Premiere specially commissioned for Battle Festival 2016 and the ROOT 1066 International Festival in partnership with Glyndebourne and the De La Warr Pavilion.

Taking inspiration from events that shaped our history, PUSH explores themes of invasion, loss and the redeeming power of human kindness.

Written by internationally acclaimed composer Howard Moody, the opera is inspired by the compelling, true story of Simon Gronowski, who was pushed from a train bound for Auschwitz by his mother in 1943. Yet the story neither begins nor ends there. The narrative also draws on various accounts of those who have experienced refugee and prisoner status, including events of 2016; ‘The Jungle’ in Calais, the mass arrival of Syrian refugees into Europe, and the scenes from the train stations in Budapest as refugees were trapped whilst trying to board trains.

Making its world premiere on Saturday 1 October, PUSH will be performed by soloists James Newby (2016 winner of the Kathleen Ferrier Award), Matthew Stiff and Tereza Gevorgyan. Musicians drawn from some of the UK’s major orchestras will accompany a choir of 200 children and adults from across 1066 Country.  This thrilling and innovatively staged production is Directed by Simon Iorio, currently a staff director at Glyndebourne and  designed by award-winning Ele Slade (‘Best Costume Designer’ at the 2015 Off West End Awards, for Usagi Yojimbo at Southwark Playhouse).

Mr Gronowski himself will be guest of honour at the world premiere of this opera inspired by his extraordinary life.

“This project is wonderful: marvelous for the opera-and music-lovers, and helpful for the young generations, against the barbarity and for a better world, of peace, democracy, tolerance and friendship between men.”Simon Gronowski

A very special project that sees world class performers working alongside community participants to present a remarkable story.

Supported by Arts Council England, Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council, East Sussex Arts Partnership, Chalk Cliff Trust, Magdalen & Lasher Charity, Battle Partnership.

Sponsored by Hastings Direct.

PUSH is a Battle Festival production in partnership with Glyndebourne and the De La Warr Pavilion for Root 1066 International Festival. The world premiere will take place at the De La Warr Pavilion on Saturday 1st October 2016.  It will be followed by a semi-staged version in Battle on Saturday 8th October 2016. www.battlefestival.co.uk