Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary

Personnel: Karl Jenkins (conductor); Miriam Stockley (vocals); Robert St. John Wright (concertmaster); Pamela Thorby (recorder); Mike Taylor (quena); Frank Ricotti, Jody Barratt Jenkins (percussion); Mary Carewe (background vocals); The London Philharmonic.
Recorded at Angel Recording Studios, Islington, London.
The work of European composer Karl Jenkins, the Adiemus debut SONGS OF SANCTUARY is one of those late 20th century musical triumphs whose success came, oddly enough, through a Delta Airlines TV commercial in which the track "Adiemus" was featured. The exposure resulted in hefty sales for this initial Adiemus collection and ensured further releases.
The music is grounded in Western classical structure but features a vocal technique drawn from Africa and executed exuberantly by a chorus of young children as well as the South African singer Miriam Stockley. Aside from the occasional line of Latin, there are few lyrics. Rather, the vocalists recite phonetic sounds, resulting in an album that can be understood and appreciated by many.