The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace
A special part of the XXXV Planetary Congress is the performance of Karl Jenkins’ ‘The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.’ by the choir Zang Edam and the National Symphonic Chamber Orchestra in the WesterKerk in Amsterdam. Astronaut André Kuipers, host of the astronaut congress, is looking forward to this special performance: ‘This music will move you. It helps us remember how important it is to work together and to continue to search beyond borders for what unites us.’
The XXXV Planetary Congress is organized by the Association of Space Explorers (ASE). The ASE was founded in 1985 by a small group of American, Soviet and international astronauts with the aim of promoting international cooperation in space exploration, education and environmental awareness.
For the first time since the founding of the ASE, the Russian colleagues are absent from the congress. Kuipers: ‘It is understandable but regrettable that our Russian colleagues are not there because of the sanctions. In the space sector, international cooperation and bridging differences is extremely important,’ says astronaut André Kuipers. ‘Especially in times of geopolitical tensions, it is important that we continue to work on connecting people. That is also the message of The Armed Man.’
About the Armed Man: A Mass for Peace
‘The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace’ is one of the most influential contemporary pieces of music, with more than 3,000 performances worldwide since its premiere in 2000. Composed by Karl Jenkins during the Kosovo crisis and dedicated to the victims of war, the work combines elements of the Catholic mass with texts from the Bible, the Hindu Mahabharata, the Islamic Adhaan and other world literature on war and peace. The work is a powerful call for peace, which resonates worldwide.
About Zang Edam
Zang Edam, founded in 1883, is one of the oldest mixed amateur choirs in the Netherlands. Led by conductor Benjamin Bakker, the choir has built up a broad repertoire and knows how to move and inspire time and time again. With this performance of The Armed Man in the Westerkerk, Zang Edam contributes to a memorable musical moment.