Karl Jenkins
Acting
Biography
Karl Jenkins (born Karl William Pamp Jenkins, 17 February 1944) is a Welsh musician and composer. His most famous works include "Adiemus", "The Armed Man", "The Peacemakers" and "Requiem". His 2016 work, "Cantata Memoria: For the children", commemorated the tragic loss in the 1966 Aberfan Disaster. With a libretto by Mererid Hopwood and commissioned by S4C, premiered at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Jenkins was born and raised in Penclawdd, on the Gower penisula in Glamorgan, Wales. His mother was Swedish and his father was Welsh. Jenkins received his initial musical instruction from his father who was the local schoolteacher, chapel organist and choirmaster. He attended Gowerton Grammar School and began his musical career as an oboist in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. He went on to study music at Cardiff University, and then commenced postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England, where he also met his wife and musical collaborator, Carol Barratt. For the bulk of his early career Jenkins was known as a jazz and jazz-rock musician, playing baritone and soprano saxophones, keyboards and oboe, an unusual instrument in a jazz context. He joined jazz composer Graham Collier's group and later co-founded the jazz-rock group Nucleus, which won first prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1970. In 1972 he joined the progressive rock band Soft Machine until their very last performances in 1984.
Known For
The Earth is threatened by an alien race who kidnap and kill humans and even animals and use them for their body parts. In the year 1980 S.H.A.D.O. (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization), a highly secret military organization, is set up in the hope of defending the Earth from this alien threat. This organization operates from a secret location beneath the Harlington-Straker film studio in London. S.H.A.D.O. also has a base on the moon with Interceptors as well as an early warning satellite that detects inbound UFOs (called S.I.D.), and operate a fleet of submarines. General James Henderson and commander Ed Straker have a team of highly trained and well equipped females and males to battle the regularly incoming hostile UFOs.
Invasion: UFO
Live-in-the-studio performance for the BBC, filmed on 30 November 1973, originally broadcast on BBC2 on 1 December, with a cast including Oldfield, his brother Terry (flute), Fred Frith (and other members of Henry Cow), Steve Hillage, Pierre Moerlen, Tom Newman, Mike Ratledge, Mick Taylor, Karl Jenkins and others.
Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells Live at the BBC
Documentary profile paying homage to the world’s most performed living composer, Sir Karl Jenkins, who turned 80 in 2024. His work has touched the hearts of millions globally, transcending traditional genre boundaries. The film incorporates footage from throughout his career to give a complete insight into the many influences on his music: from the Methodist hymn-singing of his Welsh chapel upbringing to his recent commission of a saxophone concerto for Jess Gillam, which is being performed at this year’s BBC Proms.
Karl Jenkins: The Composer behind the Moustache
Filmmakers Laura Mulvey and Mark Lewis use rare archival footage and interviews with artists, art historians, and museum directors to examine the fate of Soviet-era monuments during successive political regimes, from the Russian Revolution through the collapse of communism. Mulvey and Lewis highlight both the social relevance of these relics and the cyclical nature of history. Broadcast on Channel Four as part of the 'Global Image' series (1992-1994).
Disgraced Monuments
Keyboard Wizards – The Ultimate Anthology is the first collection to truly celebrate the greatest keyboard players in rock history. Too often the spotlight has shone on the guitar heroes, leaving the keyboard masters in the shadows. This anthology redresses the balance, showcasing the virtuosity, power, and genius of musicians whose outstanding technical and artistic ability shaped the sound of progressive and classic rock. Featuring unforgettable performances from legends including Keith Emerson, Jon Lord, Rick Wakeman, Geoff Downes, David Sinclair, Karl Jenkins, Thijs Van Leer, Ken Hensley, and Vincent Crane, this anthology brings their artistry to the forefront. Also included is The Next Generation of Keyboard Wizards, with contributions from Iain Jennings (Mostly Autumn) and Jonathan Edwards (Karnataka). Digitally remastered for 5.1 surround sound, this two-hour program gives these maestros of the keys the collective bow they so richly deserve.
Keyboard Wizards - The Ultimate Anthology
Welshman Sir Karl Jenkins is the most-performed living composer in the world. To mark his 70th birthday on the 17th February 2014, S4C broadcast a film portrayal of the pioneering musician in the programme Karl Jenkins: Pencerdd Penclawdd.
Karl Jenkins: Pencerdd Penclawdd
The Armed Man was commissioned by the Royal Armouries in the UK to mark the millennium year 2000. The CD achieved 'gold' sales and spent over 185 weeks in the UK classical charts. This DVD presents a live concert performance of Jenkins’ dramatic work against a backdrop of provocative video images. In 2000 a limited edition CD/DVD pack was released to commemorate the 2000th performance of the work. The Armed Man - The Call To Prayers (Adhaan) - Kyrie - Save Me From Bloody Men - Sanctus - Hymn Before Action - Charge! - Angry Flames - Torches - Agnus Dei - Now The Guns Have Stopped - Benedictus - Better Is Peace