THE Massed Voices of Prima Choral Artists and the York Railway Institute Band will mark the centenary of the First World War’s finale by presenting a Come & Sing performance of The Armed Man, Karl Jenkins’ Mass for Peace, next month.

“We invite singers and choirs to sing with us on this special occasion on October 10 at 8pm at Selby Abbey, but please note the registration deadline is this Friday, September 21,” says Prima musical director and conductor Ewa Salecka, who also will be joined by two soloists, soprano Lucy Jubb and baritone Darren Roberts.

“Karl Jenkins’ amazing work blends genres and cultures, embracing the full range of emotions that war evokes. Sir Karl conveys a powerful message for world peace, weaving together an eclectic collection of sources into a traditional Mass. Inspired by a range of material, including religious texts and poetry, The Armed Man tells a tale of war but ends with a promise of peace.”

For detailed information for singers wishing to take part, visit primachoralartists.com. “We welcome all singers, choirs or groups to join us in this commemorative concert for all those men and women, old and young, who made the ultimate sacrifice in numerous ways,” says Ewa.

“Massed Voices, the moving sound of a brass band – this work is not often performed with a brass band – and exceptional soloists, all joining together in celebration and remembrance, will make for a powerful community sound. Please join the event, either as a singer or a member of the audience, on what will be a moving and momentous moment of remembrance.”

There will be no full rehearsal on the day of the concert, but a full choral and brass rehearsal is required on Saturday (September 22) from 10.30am to 1.30pm in the main auditorium at Manor CE Academy, Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, York. Complete suite scores must be brought by singers.

“The October 10 performance is an opportunity to honour, in a very personal way, those lost in the Great War,” says Ewa. “Is there a family in the land who hasn’t lost someone, a grandfather, an uncle, a great grandfather, a great uncle, a great grandmother, a great aunt, either at home or at the front: a soldier or a medic or even in the aftermath of war through a shattered life?”

Before the Massed Voices performance, the first half will feature musical director Dr David Lancaster conducting the York Railway Institute Band in Leon Boellmann’s Toccata (Suite Gothique); Barrie Gott’s Light Walk; James Curnow’s arrangement of Black Is The Colour, Lancaster’s own Transit Of Venus, Peter Graham’s Shine As The Light and Wagner’s Procession To The Minster (from Lohengrin).

Tickets to take part in this occasion cost individual singers £15 with a ten per cent discount for groups of ten-plus at primachoralartists.com. “You can join any Prima choir to benefit from discounted performance entry and many more offers at info@primachoral.com,” says Ewa. Audience tickets cost £10, students and children aged nine to 16 £5, at primachoralartists.com or on the door from 7:30pm.

Charles Hutchinson