Halifax Chamber Choir Concert: A Night of Peace and Reflection at Halifax Minster

Halifax Chamber Choir is set to offer an evening of powerful and emotive choral music on November 2nd at Halifax Minster. The performance, beginning at 7:30 PM, promises to transport the audience through two thought-provoking 20th-century compositions: Karl Jenkins’ "The Armed Man" (Choral Suite) and John Rutter’s "Magnificat".

With organ accompaniment by Dr David Baker, this event is not to be missed by lovers of choral music.

A modern prayer for peace: Karl Jenkins’ "The Armed Man"

One of the key highlights of the evening will be "The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace", composed by Karl Jenkins. This powerful work, commissioned by Leeds Royal Armouries Museum in 1999, is a stirring reflection on the horrors of war, specifically dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo conflict.

Known for its dramatic narrative, Jenkins' work combines elements of the traditional Catholic Mass with secular poetry, such as Rudyard Kipling’s "Hymn Before Action", a heartfelt prayer by soldiers on the eve of battle. The Choral Suite, arranged for chamber choir, distills this grand composition into a format that retains its emotional intensity while offering a more intimate experience for the listener.

John Rutter’s "Magnificat": A celebration of the Virgin Mary

The second half of the concert will feature John Rutter’s "Magnificat", an exuberant and richly textured piece composed in 1990. Known primarily for his celebrated Christmas music, Rutter’s "Magnificat" is a departure into the world of extended liturgical composition.

The work, structured in seven movements, is based on the Latin text of the Magnificat, a traditional hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary. Rutter intersperses this text with the medieval carol "Of a Rose, a lovely Rose", drawing a symbolic comparison between Mary and the rose, a symbol of purity and salvation.

Talented direction and accompaniment

The concert will be directed by the experienced conductor Aljosa Skorja, with organ accompaniment provided by Dr David Baker. The historic setting of Halifax Minster will provide an ideal backdrop for the evening, with its soaring acoustics enhancing the dramatic and spiritual elements of both works.

Ticket details

Tickets for the concert are available at the door for £12. For more information, visit www.halifaxchamberchoir.co.uk.

This concert presents a unique opportunity to experience the intersection of sacred music and themes of peace, redemption, and hope through the powerful works of two renowned composers.