Special edition of powerful work by Sir Karl Jenkins is launched

* Sir Karl Jenkins will appear in an Eisteddfod concert on July 9.

Today heralds a landmark moment in contemporary classical music as DECCA Records unveils the 25th Anniversary Edition of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.

It is the enduring and powerful work by Sir Karl Jenkins who appears in one of the concerts at Llangollen International Eisteddfod next month.

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 25th anniversary edition, released today, 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.

 

Sir Karl Jenkins said: "I’m delighted that this piece has found resonance globally with so many of you over the years. I regret to say that there has been no let-up in war and conflict since I dedicated the piece to the victims of Kosovo, but we continue to make music in remembrance of those who have fallen and in the hope that humanity can find a way to heal." 

On Wednesday, July 9, Sir Karl will conduct a one-off live performance of his powerful masterpiece One World – a stirring, thought-provoking work that embodies unity, hope, and peace across nations - at  a one-off Eisteddfod concert entitled Uniting Nations: One World. 

He will conduct an international cast of choirs, soloists, and orchestra during the concert as it commemorates 80 years of the United Nations and also feature a bold new production of the iconic Peace Child musical.

* Tickets are available for Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins from https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/events/wednesday-9th-july-2025-uniting-nations-one-world/ 

To buy a copy of 25th Anniversary Edition of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace go to https://karljenkins.decca.com/