Tucson concert, 'From Conflict to Peace,' comes at the perfect time

For as long as he can remember, Eric Holtan has wanted to perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Dona Nobis Pacem” (Grant Us Peace), but the stars never seemed to align.

Until now.

Holtan and his True Concord Voices & Orchestra is performing the “Dona Nobis Pacem” alongside Haydn’s “Mass in Time of War,” two works that look at war and peace. The group will perform the concert twice in Tucson this weekend.

Holtan said his ensemble will perform the chamber version of “Dona,” which fits its size — 30 vocalists and a 30-member chamber orchestra.

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Haydn composed his “Mass” for a large orchestra and choir in 1796 as Austria was mobilizing for war. The piece also is known as the “Drum Mass” because of its rolling timpani that sounds like troops marching to battle.

Williams’ “Dona” reflected on the composer’s wartime experiences from serving in World War I. Williams believed that music could help preserve civilization. The phrase “Dona Nobis Pacem” — grant us peace — is repeated throughout the work.

Both the Haydn and Williams works are punctuated by shattering bursts of timpani — played by retired longtime Tucson Symphony Orchestra percussionist Homero Ceron — and triumphant trumpet exclamations heralding victory and the end of conflict.

Holtan said he had penciled this work into the 2021-22 True Concord season a couple of years ago, but the timing couldn’t be more appropriate, falling on the heels of the United States ending its 20-year conflict in Afghanistan last summer.