‘Mass in time of fear’

Missa in Angustiis means ‘mass in time of fear’ as it was written within a month of the Battle of the Nile and performed in the years associated with the Battle of Trafalgar, explains spokeswoman Liz Timmer.

“The mass is in the solemn key of D minor and accompanied by strings, organ, three trumpets and kettledrums. It is an very exciting piece to sing.

“The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace by Karl Jenkins will also be performed on the same evening. It is on a more modern theme of war with a strong message of peace overriding the elements of angst and suffering. It was commissioned for the millennium by Britain’s Royal Armouries and dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo crisis.

“It has been written to include a wide range of sacred and secular texts from around the world including references to the Hundred Years War between England and France and to the writing of a Japanese survivor of the bombing of Hiroshima. Jenkins’ scoring is exhilarating and dynamic.”

Liz added: “War is still with us today, with British troops engaged in fighting for the deliverance of peace in Afghanistan. In the course of their work, many die and even more are injured. Help For Heroes is a young charity which has been set up to encourage fundraising for the wounded. It gives grants to charities and groups who are best able to provide the facilities to help and rehabilitate military personnel who have suffered serious injury such as loss of limbs and sight.

“There will be a special collection at the concert in support of Help For Heroes. Gift Aid leaflets will be available and all donations will be passed on to the charity.”

Tickets £12 from Horsham Music Shop in East Street or The Candy Box in the Carfax. Horsham, or call 01403 752150. More details on www.westsussexphilharmonicchoir.org.uk.