MOVING CONCERT
THIS coming weekend New Ross Singers (NRS) will perform what is likely to be one of the most poignant and moving concerts held in New Ross all year.
The group will remember the ending of World War I with a performance of ‘ The Armed Man’ in the Parish Church, on Sunday, November 11, at 8 p.m.
The members are currently busy with final rehearsals for the piece which was first performed by the choir - to much acclaim - in 2010.
A spokesperson for the group told this newspaper that when planning their autumn schedule, and conscious of the then upcoming centenary of the ending of the Great War, the members felt that another performance of the work would be fitting.
Composed by Welsh composer, Karl Jenkins, The Armed Man was commissioned to mark the turning of the new millennium.
A reflective work it marks the fact that the 20th century was one of the most war-torn and destructive periods in human history.
‘ The world needed to look back and reflect but also to look ahead with hope to a new and more peaceful time,’ said the NRS spokesperson.
Jenkin’s begins the work with an anonymous French marching song, ‘L’Homme Armé’, the theme of which is ‘ the armed man must be feared’.
He includes elements of the Christian Mass, biblical psalms, and secular texts from classical poets as well as Muslim, Hindu and Japanese source materials to craft a work that conveys a powerful message for world peace.
Lamentably, the world is still a volatile place and in that regard The Armed Man is as applicable to the 21st century as it is to the last one.
Jenkins was also deeply moved by events in the Kosovo conflict and dedicated The Armed Man”