Celebrated British composer SIR KARL JENKINS is set to embark on a remarkable concert tour across the United Kingdom to mark his 80th birthday. The eagerly anticipated tour will commence in March, giving us the opportunity to experience the magic of his music and celebrate a lifetime of extraordinary achievement.
A global survey showed composer Sir Karl to be among the most performed living composers. In this 80th birthday concert, he conducts The Armed Man and other favourites pieces including Palladio, Adieumus and extracts from his new hit album One World.
The tour starts in London at the Royal Albert Hall on March 10th, getting to the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on 13th April.
The tour promises to be an unforgettable experience as Sir Karl Jenkins conducts one of his most beloved works “The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace”, a piece that has touched the hearts of millions with its powerful and poignant themes and 3000 performances globally since the millennium premiere.
Audiences will also be treated to renditions of other cherished compositions such as “Palladio”, “Adiemus”, and extracts from his new chart-topping album, “One World”, which deals with our planet.
With so much going on, and the fact that Sir Karl is Welsh through and through, we had to put a Zoom cal in to chat about the tour, his birthday celebrations and of course the early days of Karl’s musical life in South Wales.
Earlier this year, “The Armed Man” made chart history, with its acclaimed recording breaking of the 1000th week barrier in the UK Official Albums Chart. Over more than 20 years the oratorio has become a timeless classic as it continues to capture the hearts of listeners and performers around the world. The work remains a powerful and moving reflection on the horror of war and its consequences.
Also, in 2023 Sir Karl’s music was played at the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey while he attained the highest position (5th) by a living composer in the Classic FM Hall of Fame. The world premiere of his sax concerto ‘Stravaganza’, composed for Jess Gillam, was premiered in Berlin.
Resisting categorization, his style and integrity has transcended musical boundaries: jazz fusion with Soft Machine; award-winning ad soundtracks; composing music for HM The King; ‘cast-away’ on Desert Island Discs; joining Melvyn Bragg on his South Bank Show, and 9 million TikTok hits! His ability to seamlessly blend classical, contemporary, and global styles has created a unique and enduring musical legacy.
Sir Karl Jenkins is among the most performed living composers in the world and has achieved unparalleled success throughout his illustrious career. His compositions have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a place among the most celebrated composers of our time. As he reaches the milestone of 80 years, Sir Karl continues to inspire and mesmerise with his exceptional talents.
He received a knighthood in The Queen’s 2015 Birthday Honours List.
You can see SIR KARL JENKINS on his 80th Birthday Concert at the Wales Millennium Centre on Saturday 13th April. I can tell you that tickets are selling fast so you really will have to be quick. For more details, and to get yours, go HERE.
