To mark the millennium, Britain’s Royal Armouries commissioned Karl Jenkins to compose an Armed Man Mass which would reflect on war and peace in a multi-cultural, global society. To this end, the composition uses lyrics from classic poets, biblical verses, and traditional mass, as well as from Muslim, Hindu, and Japanese sources.
“Armed Man” masses, that take the fifteenth century French song L’Homme Armé (The Armed Man) as their starting point, had been a tradition for six centuries. Even though this modern version concentrates on the ravages of
war, it is essentially an anti-war piece which ends with a clear message of hope for a peaceful future.
The Armed Man had its world premiere in 2000 at London’s Royal Albert Hall to rapturous applause. Since then it has been performed over 1,000 times world-wide. It was chosen for the international Global Sing for Peace as part of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with hundreds of performances world-wide, the most prestigious of these being at New York’s Lincoln Centre on September 11 in the 10th year Commemoration Concert.
Noosa Chorale’s performance will have images projected on a screen behind the choir while they are singing which will highlight and enhance the music. This is a major innovation for Noosa Chorale.
Kim Kirkman will conduct Noosa Chorale for the performance of The Armed Man which will be presented with a full-length film, an incredible collection of video footage and images drawn from the military, social and political conflicts of the 20th century. The footage, edited in precise synchronicity with Jenkins’ music, provides a poignant and dramatic visual accompaniment to this powerful composition. This film has been seen as a backdrop to performances innumerable times all over the world from Carnegie Hall to the Royal Festival Hall, from Johannesburg to Shanghai!
According to Karl Jenkins, who himself often conducts this work accompanied by this film, its presence greatly enhances the musical performance and has a much greater impact on the audience emotionally. The powerful anti-war message is clear that war is horrendous and that all nations should strive for a peaceful solution to their conflicts.
Noosa Chorale’s performances of Karl Jenkins’ Armed Man will be at The J at 7 pm on Friday 30 and 2pm 31 May.
Tickets $45.
Bookings on 5329 6560 or visit www.thej.com.au
