The Armed Man

Jenkins' Peace Mass: The Armed Man
Vocal and mixed ensemble Vox Clara led by conductor Maria Rosenmöller will perform The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins (*1944) at the Dorpskerk in Voorschoten on Friday 28 June at 8pm. A poignant yet hopeful peace mass composed by Jenkins to mark the millenium of the British Royal Armories (1999). He dedicated the mass to the victims in Kosovo. The work is as relevant as ever.

Jenkins drew inspiration from the 15th-century French song L'homme armé and various sacred and secular texts. The piece follows the outline of the Christian mass, but gives it a contemporary interpretation. Alongside the threat of the swelling drum roll, the subdued Kyrie and Agnus Dei resound. Everything moves towards the impressive final piece Better is Peace. Jenkins' Vredemis is preceded in the concert by the early 17th-century Homo fugit velut umbra (Man flees like a shadow), which harks back to the medieval theme of death as the great leveller. The performance ends with the beautiful Hope is the thing with feathers by Christopher Tin (*1976) from 2019. Based on a text by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). This creates a triptych that moves from human destiny to hope.

This combination of pieces from different times and spheres characterises - besides the warm timbre of male and female voices - the signature of conductor Maria Rosenmöller. Behind each concert is a musical and distinctive concept that manages to move the listener.

At this concert, Vox Clara is supported by an instrumental ensemble consisting of a string quartet, flute, 2 trumpets, percussion and organ or piano. Admission: €20.00 per person. T/m 18 free, but ticket required. To be ordered via www.voxclara.nl or at the venue (€ 22.00).