In a time of unparalleled turbulence in the world a remarkable classical masterpiece calling for peace, will be performed at Llangollen’s Eisteddfod – conducted by the composer himself. Sir Karl Jenkins said the festival was the perfect place for his One World, commissioned for a UNESCO concert in 2023, to be performed. 
“The Llangollen Eisteddfod has the same ethos as my composition – uniting the world through music,” he said.
He will take to the stage at the Eisteddfod on July 9, as part of the Uniting Nations: One World concert together with the premier of a new version of the musical, Peace Child.
The first Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was held in 1947 in the aftermath of the second world war. The concept was to promote education, international peace and goodwill through the arts and music. A vice president of the festival, and past performer, Sir Karl is looking forward to returning.
He began his affinity with music as a child living on Wales’ Gower peninsula, his father a school teacher, chapel organist and choirmaster. “I was raised and trained classically and went on to gain a love of jazz,” he said.
That led to first prize at the Montreaux Jazz Festival and working with the likes of Elton John, George Harrison and Andrew Lloyd Webber. His compositions include the 1995 cross genre Adiemus and 2000 album, Armed Man, a Mass for Peace.
One World, which went straight to number one in the classical charts, is an incredible creation charting the world from its beginning to today and looking to the future. Sir Karl said the ethos behind One World seemed ironic in today’s world and even recent days.
“One movement from One World encapsulates which the project is all about – Tikkun Olam, Hebrew for Repair the World. It heralds a vision of a peaceful and egalitarian planet that treats nature and ecological issues with respect and where human rights are universal.
“Where truth is truth and news is never ‘fake’, where leaders do not lie, transparency is a given and all faiths live together in peace.”
“Ironic looking at the world today.”
Sakura, Spring has Come looks at the Japanese cherry blossom, representing a time of renewal. Words for the movement were written by Sir Karl’s wife, musician, Carol Barratt.
This article was written by Sue Austin and first published in the Shropshire Star.
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