The BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by John Wilson, will perform Dimitri Tiomkin’s music from The Guns of Navarone in concert on Saturday, May 7, in West London. The 12-minute suite from Navarone includes the concert premiere of “Preparations,” incorporated by Patrick Russ into a pre-existing suite by Christopher Palmer comprised of the “Prologue,” “The Legend of Navarone,” and “Epilogue.” The concert commemorates the 60th anniversary of VE Day and showcases music by William Walton, Maurice Jarre, Elmer Bernstein, and others. War-themed films ranging from The Spitfire to The Great Escape and popular songs from both World Wars are also on the program. The venue is The Orchard, a 920-seat theater in the heart of Dartford, Kent. Olivia Tiomkin Douglas plans to attend the concert. For tickets: www.dartford.gov.uk.

A similar concert, this one featuring heroic themes from war films, takes place on Sunday, June 12. Dubbed “The Great Escape,” it features some of the same music, including The Guns of Navarone. Carl Davis will lead the Hallé Symphony Orchestra performing music by Ron Goodwin, John Williams, Richard Rodgers, and others, interspersed with period songs featuring vocalist Claire Moore. As the second of ten concerts in the Hallé Promenade series it’s all part of the 100 year anniversary celebration for the summer concerts at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. For tickets: www.halle.co.uk.