Hymn to the Universe October 21, 2008

Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie and The Music Gallery proudly present the world premiere of Hymn to the Universe, created for the gala launch of the 2008 X-Avant / Space is the Place Festival. This poignant celebration of humanity’s potential for a new-found attunement to the universe is choreographed by Bill Coleman and features some of Canada’s greatest dancers performing live with the legendary 14-piece Sun Ra Arkestra — formed by African-American visionary Sun Ra and now under the direction of Marshall Allen.

A series of breathtaking meditations inspired by Teilhard de Chardin’s Phenomenon of Man, the production takes place in the lavish, Jazz Age ballroom of the Palais Royale. Contemporary choreography meets 1930s-style hoofing — cosmic visual creations performed to the Arkestra’s trademark mix of big-band jazz and free-form, space-age improvisation. The diverse cast of performers will form a community that celebrates humanity’s ascent towards the future.

The production is supported by award-winning Métis visual artist Edward Poitras and Toronto fashion icons, Hoax Couture designers Jim Searle and Chris Tyrell.

Tickets $30-$60, available at www.ticketweb.ca or call 416-204-1080 ext.1
Festival info www.musicgallery.org

Sun Ra is “the missing link between Duke Ellington and Public Enemy.”
– Rolling Stone

Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie are “literally … taking dance to places where it has never been before.”
– The Toronto Star

Interviews, info and images. (647) 724-3977 [email protected]
www.colemanlemieux.com

Official Website: http://www.musicgallery.org