The Central Otago Regional Choir returns to the Southern Lakes with a poignant and powerful show on war and peace in honour of Anzac Day.
The 44-strong choir and chamber orchestra, conducted by John Buchanan, will perform a contemporary piece titled The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins.
Commissioned by the Royal Armouries in 1999 for the millennium celebrations and dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo crisis, the accessible and popular work was based on the traditional Latin Mass, but used texts and musical styles from many countries.
''It takes the audience on a universal journey, descending from the illusory glory of war, through its terrible conflict and horrific aftermath, to finally emerge with a resounding call for peace,'' chorister, choir accompanist and secretary Alison Frude, of Queenstown, said.
''All the performances will be set against the backdrop of a selection of compelling photographs, personally chosen and presented by Anna Humphries, of Queenstown, whose unique perspective is the consequence of being the wife of Sergeant Major Adrian Humphries, who saw active service in the Royal Army Medical Corps.''
• The concert is in St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Queenstown, on April 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost $20; pupils free.
