A Mass for Peace

Karl Jenkins dedicates his »The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace« (2000) to the victims of war and violence. It begins with the call of the mediaeval song »L’homme armé«. The movements pick up on liturgical texts, the bible, Islamic calls to prayer and the Mahabharata.
The heart of the piece is formed by a powerful description of the atomic bomb falling on Hiroshima that palpably calls to life the horror of war. Jenkins combines choir, orchestra and soloists to create a multi-layered tapestry of sound. By the end, the soldiers’ song has evolved into a message of peace. The oratory shows the horrors of war as well as the hope for a new era without violence, inviting the audience to consider the accountability of humankind. 

Bachchor Heidelberg and Philharmonisches Orchester Heidelberg have enjoyed their close collaboration for many years, shaping this town’s music life. The 2026/27 concert season brings the dedicated amateur choir together with the orchestra for a particularly varied programme in four concerts, presenting a wide panorama of the fascinating range of sacred music.