Pangbourne Choral Society to reflect on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War at the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel

PANGBOURNE Choral Society is presenting Better is Peace Than Always War at the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel at Pangbourne College on Saturday, June 21 (7pm).

This concert reflects on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War at a time of considerable unease in the world today.

The main work will be PCS’ debut performance of The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins. Also included will be Five Days that Changed the World by Bob Chilcott, which focuses on what can be achieved when mankind works together in peace for the greater good.

Jenkins’ work will be supported by a number of percussionists and three ex-military trumpeters, plus some orchestral parts and an organist, all of whom will feature in other sections of the programme.

There will be a specially commissioned work entitled Voice of a Generation with text composed by 14-year-old Lucy Hann and music by choir member Jacky White, reflecting a 21st-century perspective on perhaps the most important 20th-century occurrence.

The intention is to contrast the observations of a younger person with the musical interpolation of someone who recalls the aftermath of the Second World War on subsequent generations.

Music director Sara Benbow says: “We hope to reflect on the grimness of war but reflected positively against a calm and bright mood engendered by everyone working together on peaceful harmony.”

PCS chairman Brian Hoskins said the concert will round off a season of great interest for audience and performers.

“We cannot wait to perform Jenkins’ most celebrated work for the first time. Apart from the brand new Voice of a Generation, Sara intends to finish with her own adaptation of two nostalgic period pieces: Edelweiss and When They Sound the Last All Clear. A fitting finale to a special anniversary concert.”

Tickets (£17 – just £5 for under-18s) are available from Garlands Organic & Natural, Pangbourne, from PCS website, and PCS members, and on the door.