Sir Karl William Pamp Jenkins CBE is a renowned Welsh musician and composer born on February 17, 1944, in Penclawdd, Gower, Wales. Jenkins initially made his mark in the world of jazz as a member of the band Nucleus and later the progressive rock band Soft Machine in the 1970s. His versatility and passion for blending different musical traditions have distinguished him as a transformative figure in contemporary composition.

Jenkins' work encompasses a wide range of musical genres, from classical to advertising jingles. However, he is perhaps best known for his classical crossover piece "Adiemus,” which combines classical and world music styles and was used in a Delta Air Lines commercial in the 1990s. The piece became the title track of the "Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary" album that released in 1995, bringing him international acclaim.

One of his most significant contributions to contemporary music is "The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace," commissioned by the Royal Armouries Museum for the Millennium celebrations and dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo crisis. This piece, incorporating both liturgical and non-liturgical texts, reflects his deep commitment to peace and his ability to address themes of universal significance. "The Armed Man" has been performed over a thousand times worldwide, establishing Jenkins as one of the most performed living composers.

His works often feature a fusion of classical traditions with ethnic voices, invigorating choral music with new sounds and a global perspective. Jenkins was knighted in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours for services to composing and crossing musical genres, and his unique contributions continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Genres

Gregorian Dance

Neo-classical

Related Artists

Adiemus

Paul Bateman

Angèle Dubeau

Michael Nyman

Johann Pachelbel

La Pietà

Lisa Gerrard

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Latest Release

Stravaganza

Karl Jenkins•

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra•

Jess Gillam

Album - 7 Tracks - Released August 9, 2024