THE Workers’ Music Association (WMA) came into existence in 1936, thanks to an amalgamation of workers' groups like the London Labour Choral Union.

The organisation was born at a remarkably energised and political time and, thanks to the guidance and vision of composers Alan Bush and Rutland Boughton, the WMA was able to tap into a widespread eagerness to use the arts for the good of progressive forces and discover ways to bring more working-class influence to bear.

To help support the allies against fascism during the second world war, the WMA used its talents to promote Soviet culture and efforts were made to sing to the anti-Nazi forces in Holland, France and elsewhere in mainland Europe, to spur the fight against the darkest forces of humanity.