Choirs join to present The Peacemakers at Manchester University
“‘All religions, all singing one song: Peace be with you.” – Rumi, 13th century Persian mystic poet
Outstanding choral ensembles from northeast Indiana – Fort Wayne, Wabash and North Manchester – are coming together to perform Karl Jenkins’ The Peacemakers on Sunday, Nov. 6, at Manchester University.
Jenkins’ monumental work draws texts from international peacemakers including Mother Theresa, the Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King Jr., Anne Frank and Gandhi. The composer dedicated it to the memory of all who have lost their lives during armed conflict.
The Manchester University A Cappella Choir and Cantabile will be joined by Heartland Sings of Fort Wayne and choirs from Northfield and Manchester high schools for the performance at 4 p.m. in Cordier Auditorium on the North Manchester campus.
The performance is under the direction of guest conductor Bob Nance, president and artistic director of Heartland Sings.
Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for students K-12. Tickets can be ordered in advance. The performance is free for Manchester University students with ID.
“Violence and discrimination permeates many influences over today’s youth. Our goal is to model cooperation and collaboration, and also to focus attention on the power of words, art and music (instead of wealth and physical strength) to raise awareness about peace and help make positive changes in our society,” said Dr. Debra Lynn, choral music director at the University.
“Rarely do high school students in rural communities have the opportunity to rehearse and perform such meaningful music with a full orchestra. It is an experience like none other,” Lynn said.
Area students also have been invited to submit works by Nov. 1 to be judged for presentation during the concert. Students in grades K-5 were asked to create art; those in grades 6-8 were invited to submit essays; and those in grades 9-12 are being asked to compose poetry. The winning entries will be displayed, printed or read.
The performance is part of the Values, Ideas and the Arts series at Manchester.
The Peacemakers premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2012.
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers more than 60 areas of academic study to 1,600 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics, a Master of Athletic Training and a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu.
October 2016