THE MUSIC the Nazi party wanted to silence is set to be heard at the Huntingdon Hall in Worcester.

The Dutch Swing College Band was officially formed on Liberation Day for The Netherlands, May 5, 1945; but its founders were finding the beat in the far darker days which preceded freedom.

A spokesman said: "There is only one Dutch Swing College Band. They started out as an amateur-college combo. During World War 2, the Nazis banned jazz music in the Netherlands. Several youngsters wanted to preserve this music against all odds. They practised secretly, copied illegal radio broadcasts and were determined to found a school for jazz music when the war was over: the Swing College.

"On Liberation Day, the Orchestra of the Dutch Swing College was officially launched, with its first public performance. Its members gave lectures, organised jazz meetings and started to teach jazz music. The name soon changed into Dutch Swing College Band, and in 1960 the DSC Band (which was by then leading the field of traditional jazz in the Netherlands) became fully professional."

The spokesman added: "Don’t miss this superb band at Huntingdon Hall before the world tour hits Germany, Belgium, Russia, Thailand, China, Switzerland and Scandinavia."

The concert will take place on Thursday May 11, from 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01905 611427