The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was commissioned by the Royal Armouries to mark the transition from one millennium to another.
It reflects on the passing of ‘the most war-torn and destructive century in human history’ and looks forward in hope to a more peaceful future.
The Armed Man is dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo conflict, whose tragedy was unfolding as it was being composed.
It was first performed in 2000 by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, conducted by Jenkins himself.
The 25th anniversary edition includes a cover redesign; a history of the commission by Guy Wilson, Master of the Armouries; updated biographies for contributors; and new notes from Julian Lloyd Webber reflecting on the debut performance, plus a note from Sir Karl himself.
