Melbourne choir the Keytones will bring songs which were written by prisoners-of-war in WWII, back to life for a one-off performance at the Shrine of Remembrance.

The Vocal Orchestra was formed by Margaret Dryburgh and Norah Chambers in a prisoner-of-war camp in Sumatra.

During almost two years in captivity, they hoped the power of music would lift the spirits of other women in the camp and distract them from the dire conditions they endured. Without any instruments, the women relied on their voices to create music.

At the time, Margaret was known to have said "the idea of making ourselves into a vocal orchestra came to us when songs were difficult to remember, and we longed to hear again some of the wonderful melodies and harmonies that uplifted our souls in days gone by".

Between music, a member of the original Vocal Orchestra's great-niece, Emily Malone, will transport the audience back to life in the WWII camp and provide insights into the formation and impact of the Vocal Orchestra.

This program, which is presented in partnership with the Australian Nurses Memorial Centre, is supported by a City of Melbourne's Connected Neighbourhood Small Grant.