Sir Karl Jenkins reaches a remarkable milestone

His powerful choral work The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace has been voted No.1 in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026, making him the first living composer ever to top the chart. First performed in 2000 at the Royal Albert Hall, The Armed Man remains one of the most moving reflections on the impact of war and the hope for peace.

Reacting to the news, he said, speaking to Classic FM:

"I am deeply honoured to become the first living composer to reach the number one position is profoundly humbling and gratifying."

He also reflected on the message behind the work:

"We continue to make music in remembrance of those who have fallen and in the hope that humanity can find a way to heal."

As a former Patron of Grayshott Concerts, Sir Karl has long held a special place in our musical life. We are particularly proud to see this remarkable achievement recognised on a national stage, and we extend our warmest congratulations and very best wishes to him.

To read more on the Classic FM website please Click Here

Founders honoured with
Haslemere Volunteers Award

Our founders, Peter and Vivien Harrison, have recently received one of the prestigious Haslemere Volunteers Awards in recognition of their outstanding contribution to live classical music in the local community.

Beginning with a fundraising concert for St Luke's Church, Grayshott in 2004, Peter and Vivien went on to establish Grayshott Concerts - now one of the region's most successful volunteer-run classical music charities, bringing world-class musicians to their local venue at St Luke's.

Highlights of their contribution

• Created a programme that brings leading orchestras, soloists, choirs, conductors and special guests to local audiences—removing the need to travel to London for comparable performances.
• Secured Sir Karl Jenkins, one of the world’s most performed living composers, as Patron.
• Won grant funding for safe, demountable staging to accommodate orchestras and choirs of up to 60 performers.
• Used donations to install professional LED performance lighting, improving visibility for audiences and performers.
• Built a community of 200+ Friends of Grayshott Concerts whose membership donations (and Gift Aid) help offset the cost of featuring top artists.
• Established an exceptional attendance record: 100+ concerts sold out to audiences of 300+, including performances staged during the socially distanced Covid period.
• Grew and coordinated a volunteer team of 35+ people running every aspect of events and charity operations—from staging and front-of-house welcome to ticketing, accounts, governance and artist liaison.

Peter and Vivien also champion outreach, providing live music and entertainment for local schools and older residents.

To secure the charity's future, they have also brought together a seven-strong Trustee Board that continues to strengthen governance and support Grayshott Concerts' long-term success.