We have teamed up with EMI Classics to offer five lucky readers the chance to win a copy of Stella Natalis: A Christmas gift from Karl Jenkins, which is released on 2^nd November 2009. It is a gift to music lovers of all stylistic and spiritual backgrounds for the 2009 holiday season. Its coupling, Joy to the world, features arrangements by Jenkins of carols from around the globe in keeping with the composer’s inclusive and universal approach to the message of music.  

The performers represent a mixture of classical and popular artistry. “It has been a privilege,” said Karl Jenkins recently, “to feature the astounding talents of fellow EMI artists Kate Royal [soprano] and Alison Balsom [trumpet] and to introduce BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the year 2008, Alice Halstead. The orchestra is the Marylebone Camerata, a hand-picked group of the finest young players in London, assembled by cellist Jonathan Byers.”

“Stella natalis means ‘star of birth’ or ‘star of origin,’ continues Jenkins, “and the music conveys the Christmas message of peace, goodwill, compassion and a new beginning whilst using a wider palette of inspiration than is usual in such treatments: Zulu text, reference to Hindu gods, as well as the Old Testament, all make an appearance! The libretto, for the most part, is by Carol Barratt together with some established text in Latin and English.”

Joy to the world consists of a set of idiosyncratic arrangements by Karl Jenkins to carols from England, Germany, France, Spain, the West Indies and the African-American Go tell it on the mountain.

Karl Jenkins will also perform a 65th birthday concert at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on November 14, and a UK Christmas Tour at five cathedrals across the UK.   

Saturday 28^th November - Chelmsford Cathedral

Wednesday 2^nd December - St Albans Cathedral

Friday 4^th December - Clifton Cathedral (Bristol)

Saturday 19^th December - Banbury St Mary’s Church

Tuesday 22^nd December - Norwich Cathedral

For more information on Stella Natalis please visit www.jenkinsstellanatalis.com

To win a copy of the album, please answer the following question:

Where is Karl Jenkins performing his 65^th birthday concert?

1)      London

2)      Cardiff

3)      Manchester

Terms and Conditions

Five winners will win a copy of the album. Open to UK residents aged 18 and over. Only one entry per household. Prize is non-transferable and non-refundable.