Members of Wigton Choral Society are preparing for their next concert this weekend.

On Saturday, June 18, they will perform both Maurice Durufle’s Requiem (1947) and Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man (1999).

Written shortly after the end of the second world war, Durufle’s setting of the Requiem is widely acknowledged as an outstanding choral work.

Similarly, Jenkins’ The Armed Man subtitled ‘A Mass for Peace’ has become remarkably famous, having received hundreds of performances by professional and amateur musicians alike since its premiere in 2000.

Both works reflect on the themes of war and peace.

They were chosen for performance by Ian Wright, the choir’s director, at the beginning of this year and since that time have assumed greater significance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

The concert on Saturday will see the choir join with mezzo-soprano Anne-Marie Kerr and organist Jordan English to deliver what promises to be an assured and moving performance.

Although the music is challenging, the rehearsals are proceeding very well.

Ian said: “I think the choir are in a very good place at the moment.

“The Jenkins and Durufle are both beautiful works and they both contain movements that people will recognise, including the famous Benedictus in the Jenkins Mass.

“Both pieces are a statement against war and a reflection on the consequences of war.”

The concert will take place on June 18 in St Mary’s Church, Wigton (7.30pm).

Tickets can be pre-ordered at £12 each from cat@servantesystems.co.uk or 016973 51934 or can be bought on the door at £14 each.