Commissioned by the Royal Armouries Museum for its millennium celebrations, Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man – A Mass for Peace is a musical setting of the Catholic Mass, which also incorporates other religious and historical sources, including the Islamic call to prayer sung by a muezzin.

Put together, these elements create a work which charts a descent into war and all the horror that it brings, as the opening martial themes make way for darker, mournful ones. But the work ends on a hopeful note, auguring a future in which war and sorrow are overcome. 

Taking part with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Michael Laus are Kormalta (choirmaster Riccardo Bianchi), soprano Francesca Aquilina, alto Clare Ghigo, tenor Didier Pieri and bass Miguel Rosales.

The Armed Man – A Mass for Peace is taking place at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on Saturday at 7pm. For tickets e-mail sales@mcc.com.mt or call 2124 3840.

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