Paris-Manchester 1918
Conservatoires in time of war

The images and documents within this section tell the stories of particular musicians from both Paris and Manchester who served during the Great War, such as Maurice Ravel, who made considerable efforts to enlist; the promising violinist, Frank Tipping, who died in action; pianist and composer Frank Merrick, who was imprisoned for his absolutist refusal to fight or engage in any war work; Roger Pénau, who served as a stretcher-bearer and Fernand Halphen, who was determined to make music happen anywhere, even close to the front line.