Karl Jenkins makes chart history

Over more than 20 years the oratorio has become a timeless classic as it continues to capture the hearts of listeners and performers around the world. Based on the 15th century French poem, L’homme armé, the work remains a powerful and moving reflection on the horror of war and its consequences.

Sir Karl Jenkins says, “When I wrote The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace in 1999, little did I imagine that in 2023 we would be celebrating 1000 weeks in the UK classical chart and nearly 3000 performances worldwide. I am deeply honoured that it has touched so many people over the years; thank you to The Royal Armouries and Classic FM who commissioned me to write it, and to all those who have performed it and listened to my recording.