Hymn to the Universe

Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie and The Music Gallery proudly present the world premiere of Hymn to the Universe: A celebration of music and dance at the outer limits, created for the gala launch of the 2008 X-Avant / Space is the Place Festival.

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

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.

Tuesday, October 21st @ 8pm
Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore West
Tickets: $30 - $60

Box Office: www.ticketweb.ca

For festival information, please visit: www.musicgallery.org.