By K. Michelle Moran
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Since she first heard it several years ago, Rackham Symphony Choir Artistic and Music Director Suzanne Mallare Acton of Grosse Pointe Park has wanted the group to perform Karl Jenkins’ oratorio “The Armed Man.”

What she didn’t realize then was that the concert would snowball into “The Armed Man: A Concert for Peace,” a multimedia extravaganza featuring the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, student guest choirs Mosaic Singers and Groves High School of Birmingham, the Maples Arabic Drum Ensemble of Dearborn, several guest soloists, and a silent film by director Robert Cucuzza. It will be staged at 4 p.m. March 25 at the Ford Center for Performing Arts in Dearborn.

“It’s not a concert, it’s an event,” laughed Mallare Acton.

Inspired by a 15th century French folk song, “L’Homme Armé,” “The Armed Man” incorporates elements from literature and religion — including the Catholic Mass, the Koran and the Hindu Mahabharata — to deliver a message of peace. As the music is performed, the film — an allegorical tale about childhood bullying, shot at a West Bloomfield school — will be woven in and out of the concert.

“Because it’s so unique, it’s hard to even [explain it] to people to have them understand what it will be like,” said Rackham member Gary Hasley of Troy.

The production’s international quality is reflected in the diversity of the Rackham production, which features performers of many racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds from throughout Southeastern Michigan — including Center Line, Huntington Woods and Sterling Heights.

That diversity was one of Mallare Acton’s goals, and it was one of the aspects that appealed to Leah Dexter of Southfield, a vocalist who’s performing an alto solo.

“It’s like a way for us, through the music, to say to the audience … let’s stop the segregation and the war,” Dexter said. “If we can come together and perform this beautiful work, why can’t we come together [as a society]?”

Maggie Patton of Ferndale — one of the film’s stars — said audiences will see a movie that’s moving and beautiful.

“The shots are very rich looking,” she said.

The film also stars Michael Kurowski of Bloomfield Hills, Tyler Yaldo of West Bloomfield and Robert Jakob of Warren, as well as more than 20 student and adult actors from Birmingham, Madison Heights, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake and Southfield, among other cities.

“It’s been emotional,” said Rackham member Susan Fox of Fraser. “This is a really powerful piece, and the film we commissioned — the first time we saw it, it was a several hanky affair. But the music is beautiful.”

Rackham member Tony Ruda of St. Clair Shores concurs, admitting this has been a tremendously moving experience.

“It bends over backwards to be meaningful to all people,” Ruda said. “It’s got some Christian elements to it and it’s got some Islamic elements to it. It appeals to a broad cross-section of people, and to me, that adds to its importance.”

In addition, Ruda stresses that it’s “a good piece of music.”

The Cranbrook Peace Foundation will present a pre-concert lecture, and hundreds of cranes — a symbol of peace in some cultures — made by local children will be on display.

Mallare Acton said they’re trying to build “a bridge to understanding through our music.”

“This piece really masterfully engages the subject,” she said. “We’re just trying to make it a memorable journey for [the audience].”

“The Armed Man: A Concert for Peace” will be performed at 4 p.m. March 25 at the Ford Center for Performing Arts, 15801 Michigan Ave., in Dearborn. Tickets are $26-$46 and can be purchased at the door, by calling (313) 943-2354, ext. 1, or visiting www.dearbornfordcenter.com.  Special patron tickets, which include premium seating and a reception, are $100 and can only be purchased through Rackham by calling (313) 886-9074. For additional details, visit www.rackhamchoir.org.