Final Preparations

By Mary Drew

The finishing touches are being placed on the collaborative performance of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace being presented this weekend by Griffin Choral Arts and Griffin Ballet Theatre.

With full choreography by GBT director Mitch Flanders and choral direction by Dr. Stephen J. Mulder, this premiere event will combine the talents of six guest dancers with members of GBT and will feature accompaniment by a 24-piece orchestra in support of the accomplished 50-voice chorus.

Jenkins’ composition is a meditation on the act of war, tracing its arc from inception to resolution. The ramifications of conflict have not been lost on those participating in the Griffin production.

At a recent rehearsal, GBT dancer Ashley Barnes described the piece as “exhausting”, adding, “I really get the emotion that the words convey.”

Her GBT colleague, Kelli Betz, elaborated, “In one song, the dancers are on fire; we’re burning to death. In this instance, the dancing isn’t technically difficult, but it’s emotionally exhausting.”

GCA soloist Erin Mulder, featured during the composition’s post-battle ballad, describes that song as “very taxing; very raw and bare,” adding, “I feel very vulnerable singing it.” Regarding The Armed Man in its entirety, Ms. Mulder feels that “it’s a testament to tolerance and equanimity among religions.”

The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Griffin Auditorium, 234 E. Taylor St. Admission $15.

Johnny Cash Meets Karl Jenkins?

GCA Board President Elaine Bolton and I share a passion OTHER THAN choral music. We both love the music of Johnny Cash. Last week when his new (and final) album was released, it wasn't long until we both had listened to it and had identified our favorite tracks. One track that we both enjoyed had a theme very similar to that of THE ARMED MAN: A MASS FOR PEACE. The lyrics are:

Last night I had the strangest dream

I'd ever dreamed before

I dreamed the world had all agreed

To put an end to war

I dreamed I saw a mighty room

Filled with women and men

And the paper they were signing said

They'd never fight again

And when the paper was all signed

And a million copies made

They all joined hands and bowed their heads

And grateful pray'rs were prayed

And the people in the streets below

Were dancing 'round and 'round

While swords and guns and uniforms

Were scattered on the ground

Last night I had the strangest dream

I'd never dreamed before

I dreamed the world had all agreed

To put an end to war.

(Ed McCurdy)

When you get so close to performing a work like TAM, it's easy for everything else in your life to relate in some way to that major project on your plate!