Karl Jenkins

Karl Jenkins is one of the most prolific and frequently performed composers worldwide in the classical crossover, world music, and new age genres. His choral work "The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace," released by EMI Classics, has been performed over 700 times in 20 different countries alone. The CD spent 173 weeks in the UK charts and achieved 17 gold and platinum certifications. Jenkins' six "Adiemus" albums have also sold millions of copies and received silver, gold, and platinum awards worldwide. "Adiemus IV – The Eternal Knot" also served as the soundtrack for the major television documentary "The Celts." The world sings, dances, and makes music – polyphonically and in the traditions of the most diverse parts of the globe. Listening to Karl Jenkins' music, one might believe that the longed-for reconciliation between the peoples and countries of the Earth has long been a reality, so effortlessly and convincingly does the composer unite the musical corners and niches of humanity in his scores – world music in the best and most comprehensive sense! This is also evidenced by his latest EMI Classics releases – the album "Quirk" with concertos for various instruments, his choral albums "Stabat Mater" and "Requiem," and his Christmas album "Stella Natalis," which was released in November 2009. Born in South Wales in 1944, Karl Jenkins received his education at Gowerton Grammar School, Cardiff University, and the Royal Academy of Music in London. As a jazz oboist and multi-instrumentalist, he collaborated with musicians such as Ronnie Scott. In 1971, he was a founding member of the group "Nucleus," which won first prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Jenkins was also a member of the jazz-rock group "Soft Machine," one of the most creative and innovative bands of the 1970s. For years, Karl Jenkins composed for advertising (Levis, British Airways) and television (BBC, NBC, and NHK). The list of his awards is long, including the "Golden Lion" in Cannes. In 2005, the Queen honored him with an Order of the British Empire. He was also inducted into Classics FM's "Hall of Fame" (highest placed living composer). As a Doctor of Music, Karl Jenkins holds professorships and honorary doctorates at five universities or conservatories, including the University of Wales and the Royal Academy of Music. Karl Jenkins has composed several major commissioned works, including for His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales (Concerto for Two Harps), for the Master of the Armouries and the Tower of London ("The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace"), for BBC Proms ("Song For Eden"), BBC Television (the oratorio "Dewi Sant"), as well as works for the Symphony Orchestra London, for Lesley Garrett, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Evelyn Glennie, and for Bryn Terfel. In addition, Jenkins has also composed anthems for international institutions such as UNESCO, for the Welsh Development Agency, and for the election campaign for the Welsh parliamentary elections. More at www.karl-jenkins.de & www.karljenkins.com March 2013