Middletown Peacemakers

In the front row pew, a young boy named Gabriel sits as his father and a preacher tell him: "There are certain people who are chosen by God for some special purposes of His own. And we believe you are such a one." Thus unfolds the destiny of Gabriel in Brian Kirk's riveting Middletown.

Following the successful Global Sing for Peace and 09/11 10th Anniversary Commemorative Concert, Karl Jenkins releases a new work for choral forces, orchestral strings, violin soloist and other guest instrumentalists called The Peacemakers. The work is set to texts from iconic figures who are associated with peace, not just armed conflict but race as well: Gandhi, Mandela, Mother Theresa, Dalai Lama, after Martin Luther King, and Albert Schweitzer as well as poetry, the Bible and Quran. The strings of the London Symphony Orchestra are joined by different vocal forces including City of Birmingham Youth Choir, Rundfunkchor Berlin, and the 1000-strong Really Big Chorus made up of members of UK choirs from across the country brought together in one day in one studio to contribute to two movements on the album. Guest artists include British violinist Chlo‰ Hanslip and Indian bansuri (ethnic flute) player Ashwin Srinivasan.

Hailed as one of the most exciting live acts on the road today, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers are musical beacons of the Southwest fueled by witty and insightful lyrics, crunching guitar riffs, a dynamic rhythm section and tequila. RCPM are the only act to release seven consecutive studio albums to land on the top 10 of Billboard’s Internet Sales Chart, two at No. 1, all released on a 100% independent record label.

Grit, genes or privilege - which matters most?