Concord Chorale presents The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins on May 4 and 5 at St. Paul’s Church in Concord.

A Mass for Peace was composed by Karl Jenkins in 1999 as a tribute to the victims of the Kosovo crisis. The timeless text of this work evokes images of peace and war across many cultures and religions.

The work begins with a fifteenth-century French song, L’homme armé (The Armed Man) and includes the Muslim Call to Prayer and spine-chilling pieces with texts from Hiroshima and an ancient Indian text describing an apocalypse. The Armed Man ends on a hopeful note with a verse from Revelation: “God will wipe away all tears and there shall be no more death.”

The powerful masterwork will be accompanied by orchestra and will feature soloists from Concord Chorale.

Founded in 1969, Concord Chorale is an auditioned vocal ensemble dedicated to excellence in the performance of choral music for the cultural enrichment and enjoyment of its audience and its members.

What: Concord Chorale’s Concert, “A Testament to Peace”

When: Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m. (in person only) and Sunday, May 5 at 4 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Where: St. Paul’s Church, 21 Centre Street, Concord as well as on YouTube (access through concordchorale.org)

Ticket information: Available from Chorale members or online at concordchorale.org/tickets. Tickets are free for students.