Sierra Master Chorale: A Global Sing for Peace

HOW CAN WE HONOR THE WARRIOR while advocating for peace? Join Grass Valley’s Sierra Master Chorale in May for the regional premiere of Karl Jenkin’s internationally acclaimed work for choir and orchestra, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.

The Welsh composer’s piece, which premiered at London’s Royal Albert Hall 12 years ago, seeks to bridge the many perspectives of war while acknowledging the hope for peace in our lifetime.

“The Armed Man is an emotionally stirring major work that takes us through the horrors of war and brings us to the hope that together we can ‘ring in peace,’” says InConcert’s board president and chorister Keith Porter.

Conducted by Music Director Ken Hardin, the 70-voice Sierra Master Chorale is one of the region’s most talented choruses. Established in 2008 and now associated with InConcert Sierra, the group regularly performs to sold-out audiences. Its holiday concerts are a tradition.

“I have wanted to perform this work since 2001 when Hasel Carter (local singer) first brought it to me,” says Hardin, Music Director. In addition to the chorale being well prepared, Hardin has put together an orchestra that he says “is going to be out-of-this-world.”

The choir is excited too, with members explaining the performance is like singing in a soundtrack for an epic movie.

Hardin is including his “secret weapon,” organist Isabelle Demers from Montreal. Demers performed at a sold-out recital for InConcert Sierra two years ago.

Most recently, Demers debuted as a solo artist at Davies Hall in San Francisco and Disney Hall in Los Angeles to standing ovations. “She’s one of the very top organists in the country,” says Hardin.

A video is here. A sound clip is here: Benedictus

For more information and tickets go to InConcertSierra.org.