Members of Wigton Choral Society is preparing for a concert this weekend.
On Saturday they will perform both Maurice Durufle’s Requiem (1947) and Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man (1999).
Written shortly after the end of the Second World War, Durufle’s setting of the requiem is widely acknowledged as an outstanding choral work. Jenkins’ The Armed Man – subtitled A Mass for Peace – has become famous, having received hundreds of performances by professional and amateur musicians alike since its premiere in 2000.
Both works reflect on the themes of war and peace. They were chosen for performance by Ian Wright, the choir’s director, at the beginning of this year and since that time have assumed greater significance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
The concert on Saturday will see the choir join with mezzo-soprano Anne-Marie Kerr and organist Jordan English to deliver what promises to be an assured and moving performance.
Ian said: “I think the choir are in a very good place at the moment. The Jenkins and Durufle are both beautiful works and they both contain movements that people will recognise – including the famous Benedictus in the Jenkins Mass.
“Both pieces are a statement against war and a reflection on the consequences of war.”
The concert will take place on Saturday June 18 in St Mary’s Church, Wigton and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets can be pre-ordered, at £12 each, from [email protected] or can be bought on the door at £14 each.
