Selected movements from the Armed Man and the Nelson Mass

Have you ever wanted to sing – or sing again! – Karl Jenkins’ iconic The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace or Haydn’s stunning Nelson Mass ? 

Here’s your perfect chance to sing all the good bits from these popular works in a great setting, a friendly environment and in the company of lots of other singers of all ages and ability! 

We will be singing the opening movement and the choral suite movements from The Armed Man, and all the movements except the Credo from the Nelson Mass, ensuring that everyone does lots of singing while getting just the occasional rest to listen to members of St Peter’s Singers sing the solo numbers. Check out exactly which movements will we be singing.

St Peter’s Singers will host the event and lead the singing in the glorious setting of Leeds Minster. It will be directed by the brilliant Alexander Woodrow, with Shaun Turnbull on the Keys of the Minster’s famous Harrison & Harrison organ.

But the day will be made by your contribution, along with those of so many other singers who also want to sing this music. 

How it works – what you need to know

All you need to do is to sign up, and then turn up ! Copies of both works will be provided – if you have your own copy of the Armed Man, or of the Nelson Mass (Novello edition), you are welcome to bring them. If you’ve not sung these works before or want to brush up on it, then you may want to come to either of our prior rehearsals on 11 and 18 November or get some help online. See Learning the music below for details.

Registration will start at 1.00pm, and the rehearsal at 1.30pm. There will be plenty of time and space for some delicious refreshments and for socialising, and we will conclude the afternoon with a performance starting at 5pm, to which your friends and family will be welcome. And all finished in time for tea (or dinner!). Dress is smart casual. So it’s all set for an afternoon of fun singing some truly beautiful music!

In order for us to prepare well to welcome you, you are asked to book ahead, letting us know one or two important bits of information. Only a very small number of un-notified admissions will be allowed for special cases on the day. On-line booking will close at 6pm on 18 November.

Under 18s are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Audience are welcome to come for the performance at 5pm (doors open 4.30pm) – admission will cost £10 at the door or you can book online.

Music to be sung

We will not be singing the complete works, but rather the following selected movements:

from Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man: a Mass for Peace: 

• The Armed Man
• Kyrie
• Sanctus
• Benedictus
• Hymn Before Action
• Agnus Dei
• God shall wipe away all tears (p.120)

From Josef Haydn: Nelson Mass (Missa in angustiis)

• Kyrie
• Gloria
• Sanctus
• Benedictus
• Agnus Dei 

Learning the music

Not sung these works before ? Need some help? It would probably be a good idea to do some prep! 

Rehearsals

We are pleased to announce that we will hold prior rehearsals on Wednesdays 11 and 18 November 7.30pm-9.00pm at Leeds Minster. These will be friendly and relaxed events, directed by Alex Woodrow with support from members of St Peter’s Singers, and will cost just £5 each. However, it is essential that you book for this as soon as possible and in any event not later than the preceding Sunday so that we can confirm their viability. Copies will be available for use at the rehearsal, but not to take away.

We will rehearse the Jenkins on 11 November and Haydn on 18 November.

Homework

There are a number of websites and apps that may be able to help you (although this comes without warranty!):

ChoralLine : Download an App for your laptop, phone or tablet; costs £13.99 per work. The website offers samples so that you can see what you will get before you buy. The rehearsal is accompanied by clear spoken instructions helping you start at the right time, and your voice part is played in a distinct sound to help you identify the notes correctly. The website also makes it simple to purchase a copy if you need to.

Choralia : Free, but the website is much more basic. There are a number of different options, where you can hear just your part, or all the parts with your part standing out, or all the parts with yours at the same volume as the others.

Learn Choral Music : Free, but basic.