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Karl Jenkins’s The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace has become one of the most performed choral works of our time – an unforgettable call for peace written at the turn of the new millennium. Drawing on texts from many faiths and cultures, Jenkins traces a journey from the anticipation of battle to the devastation of war and the hope of reconciliation. Combining the grandeur of a traditional Mass with cinematic power and emotional immediacy, it speaks directly to audiences of every generation. Its bold rhythms, soaring melodies, and moments of haunting stillness create a profoundly human reflection on conflict and unity.
For this performance, Auckland Choral joins forces with Auckland City Brass and their conductor Mark Close in a powerful arrangement for choir and brass band. Complementing the main work are two New Zealand pieces: David Hamilton’s A Call to Arms for baritone, choir, and brass band, and Fendall Hill’s Perspectives from Gallipoli. Together, these works form a stirring programme of remembrance, resilience, and peace.
