Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

United Kingdom

 

Adiemus is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1994 by Welsh composer and conductor Karl Jenkins. The group is known for its unique blend of classical, world, and new age music, and has released several successful albums over the years. Karl Jenkins, the founder of Adiemus, was born in Penclawdd, Wales in 1944. He began his musical career as a jazz musician, playing saxophone and keyboards in various bands throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1980s, he turned his attention to classical music, and began composing and conducting for orchestras and choirs. In 1994, Jenkins founded Adiemus as a project to explore the possibilities of combining classical music with world music influences. The name "Adiemus" was inspired by a word Jenkins had heard in a African language, which he interpreted to mean "we will draw near" or "we will come together". The original lineup of Adiemus consisted of a small group of vocalists, including Miriam Stockley, Mary Carewe, and Chris Wells. The group's first album, also titled "Adiemus", was released in 1995 and was an immediate success. The album featured Jenkins' original compositions, which were performed by the vocalists and a small orchestra. The music of Adiemus is characterized by its use of vocal harmonies, rhythmic percussion, and orchestral arrangements. Jenkins' compositions often feature complex rhythms and unusual time signatures, and draw on a wide range of musical traditions from around the world. Over the years, Adiemus has released several successful albums, including "Adiemus II: Cantata Mundi" (1997), "Adiemus III: Dances of Time" (1998), and "Adiemus IV: The Eternal Knot" (2001). The group has also performed live in concert, both in the UK and internationally. One of Adiemus' most notable performances was at the opening ceremony of the 1999 Rugby World Cup, which was held in Cardiff, Wales. The group performed a specially commissioned piece, "The Power of Four", which was written by Jenkins and featured the Welsh National Orchestra and a choir of over 1,000 singers. Adiemus has also been recognized with several awards and nominations over the years. In 1996, the group won the Classic FM People's Choice Award for Best Album, and was nominated for a Brit Award for Best Classical Album. In 1998, Adiemus was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album for "Adiemus III: Dances of Time". Despite the success of Adiemus, the group has experienced some changes in its lineup over the years. Miriam Stockley, one of the original vocalists, left the group in 1999 to pursue a solo career. She was replaced by a number of other vocalists, including Jody Jenkins, who is Karl Jenkins' daughter. Today, Adiemus continues to perform and record music, and remains a popular and influential ensemble in the world of classical and world music. The group's unique blend of musical styles and traditions has inspired many other musicians and composers, and has helped to expand the boundaries of classical music.

More....