Event
Karl Jenkins The Armed Man and Chilcott Five Days that Changed the World
'The Armed Man' is a 'Mass for Peace' by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. The piece was commissioned by the Royal Armouries Museum for the Millennium celebrations. It is dedicated to victims of the Kosovo crisis. Like Benjamin Britten's War Requiem it is essentially an anti-war piece, based on the Catholic Mass which Jenkins combines with other sources including the 15th century folk song 'L'homme arme' in the first and last movements. Written originally for chorus and full orchestra Hexham Orpheus choir will perform the version with a reduced orchestra.
'Five Days that Changed the World' was written by Bob Chilcott for the Worcester International Festival for Young Singers in the summer of 2013, where the theme was peace and unity. The poet Charles Bennett wrote five new texts identifying historical events which brought people together: The Invention of Printing 1455, The Abolition of Slavery 1834, The First Powered Flight 1903, The Discovery of Penicillin 1928 and the First Man in Space 1961. In each movement Chilcott's music and Bennett's words come together to create a strikingly vivid and personal account of each protagonist's experience.
Mark Edwards, Director of Hexham Orpheus Choir, originally from Edinburgh, trained as a percussionist before taking up conducting and receiving an MMus with Distinction from Newcastle University, studying with conducting teacher Professor Eric Cross. Mark is pleased to have studied and worked with many great musicians including: Philippe Bach, Rodolfo Saglimbeni, Denis McCaldin, Philip MacKenzie, Christopher Gayford and Edwin Roxburgh. Mark has also conducted many ensembles including: The Amadeus Orchestra, St Michel Strings, Newcastle University Symphony Orchestra, Northumberland Orchestral Society and Tyneside Chamber Orchestra. Mark also works as a workshop leader for Streetwise Opera. In the last two years Mark has worked with the Royal Northern Sinfonia in premier performances of local composers works, including performances in Hall One and Hall Two at Sage Gateshead. Mark is currently director of music for Northern Praeclassica, Felling Male Voice Choir, Sage Gateshead Male Voice Choir, Hexham Orpheus Choir and Newcastle Sinfonietta. Mark also works as a percussionist for various orchestras, bands and is also one half of the north east jazz duo PianoVibes.
We will be performing in the wonderful setting of Hexham Abbey across the beautiful chancel where the acoustic is at its best. Seats in the Nave will also be available at a reduced rate with a restricted view.
Hexham Orpheus Choir is dedicated to performing and promoting access to classical choral music in the Tyne Valley. We have around eighty singers and always welcome new singers.
Hexham Orpheus Choir regd charity no 514942
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LocationHexham Abbey (View)
Market Square
Hexham NE46 3NB
United Kingdom
Categories
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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