FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2023
CONTACT: Karen Schuessler
Artistic Director, Karen Schuessler Singers
(519) 614-1668
kasch500@rogers.com
www.kssingers.com
London, ON – The KAREN SCHUESSLER SINGERS starts off its 31st season with Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man on Saturday, November 11 at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, at 7:30 p.m.
Karl Jenkins’ monumental and moving mass for peace is back by popular demand. Using lyrics from classic poets, biblical verses, the traditional mass and other sources, The Armed Man is a moving journey from the turmoil of war to a final message of peace and hope. The choir will be directed by Karen Schuessler, accompanied by London Symphonia.
“This piece is a powerful and moving experience for audiences and singers alike. Its emotional and spiritual impact is unforgettable,” says KSS artistic director Karen Schuessler.
A rare synthesis of the universal themes of war and peace, dramatic multicultural texts, and rich, accessible music, the work takes listeners on a dynamic journey through the threat of conflict, fear, war, then gratitude, remembrance and hope.
Musically, the work combines various elements: military marches, African rhythms, jazz harmonies, pop music repetition, achingly beautiful melodies and classical forms.
The Armed Man begins with the 15th-century French fighting song, l’Homme Armé doit on doubter, or “The Armed Man Should Be Feared,” which has been used as the melodic theme in hundreds of musical works for over 600 years since the Renaissance and gives the work its vigor and drive. Also heard are ravishing and moving solos by members of the choir, flute and cello, adds Schuessler.
“This magnificent exploration of world peace transcends cultural differences and was originally dedicated to the victims of the war in Kosovo. It feels even more relevant today as it did then,” says Schuessler.
Tickets:
Tickets are $30 for adults, and $10 for students. Children 6-13 are free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kssingers.com/2023-2024-concerts/the-armed-man-ticket-page, at Tuckey Home Hardware, and from choir members.
For more concert or ticket information, visit our website www.kssingers.com, or call 519-681-8129.
Event Information:
What: Karen Schuessler Singers Concert – The Armed Man
Where: Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin St., London, ON
When: Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Contact: 519-681-8129 http://www.kssingers.com
About The Karen Schuessler Singers:
The Karen Schuessler Singers is one of London’s premier concert choirs. Founded in 1993 by director Karen Schuessler to explore the wealth of choral music, the choir has become well known for quality performances and widely varied, accessible and innovative programming.
Each season the choir presents a 3-concert subscription series designed to appeal to all ages and musical tastes. The choir performs choral repertoire not often performed to complement traditional repertoire with music ranging from the classics to jazz to Broadway, and from Medieval to the 21st century.
The vision of Karen Schuessler Singers is to create concerts that are not only entertaining and thought-provoking, but that also lift spirits, lighten hearts and deepen souls.
Says Karen Schuessler, “The thrill of live performance, when the audience is open and receiving and the performers are giving from their hearts, is an experience unlike any other. Sing Joy!”