Wheatley Singers are joining forces with Cumnor Choral Society, directed by Kate Billimore to perform The Armed Man, a Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins with soloist, Shelley Cox. Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber completes the programme. Over ninety musicians will be performing in aid of local charity, The Maple Tree which provides practical support for families with young children. www.mapletree.org.uk

Kate Billimore writes: Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man, composed in 2001, is dedicated to the victims of the unfolding, tragic Kosovo conflict. The work reflects on “the most war-torn, destructive century in human history” and hopes for a more peaceful future. Quarter of a century on, that hope remains desperately vain.
Despite clearly depicting the menace of war, with impactful, martial passages, the work is also brimming with exquisite, sonorous moments of reflection and glorious sections of hopefulness and peace.