REPERTORY DETAIL

Performed July 11, 12, 13, 2008

Choreography: David Palmer & Yanis Pikieris
Music: Karl Jenkins
No. of Dancers: 10 - 5 Men, 5 Women
Premiered: June 4, 1998 in Miami, FL

Staged for Novaballet by Yanis Pikieris

Lead Artist for this staging of Adiemus was Paola Hartley

Yanis Pikieris		Karl Jenkins

Literally translated as ‘we will draw near’, Adiemus is a dance experience which lays itself out in a landscape of color and celebratory emotions. At times poignant and romantic, at other times undulating and athletic, it’s a work which hurls dancers into an environment of passionate sensations. Adiemus is the title track to Songs of Sanctuary, a 1995 recording by the musical group Adiemus. The group and the composition are both creations of Karl Jenkins, a British composer who features harmonized vocal melody which draws heavily from classical and world music. It was Jenkins intention to use the human voice as an instrument in its own right, thereby removing the distraction of lyrics. While its harmony is derived from African and gospel music, most listeners hear a distinct relation to celtic music.

Adiemus was created as a ballet by Yanis Pikieris and David Palmer as a celebration of the second anniversary of Maximum Dance Theatre, a company they founded in Miami. It became the company’s signature piece and has been toured extensively.