New York, NY (Top40 Charts) After an intense spiritual and global journey studying the shared themes of peace and oneness of humankind taught by Buddha, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mohammed, the Sikhs, the Hindu, the Jews, the Cheyenne, the Kikuyu, and the Baha'i, Film/Television composer Steven Chesne created the global masterpiece, "Sapient: A Cantata of Peace." Because of Chesne's musical prowess and his intellectual understanding of the diverse traditions and beliefs, "Sapient" is tangible proof that peace and unity truly can create harmony in the world. Lauded and applauded for its relevance and timeliness, each track on the album is a moving, musical interpretation of a tradition's words of peace and oneness accompanied by music and vocals influenced by its distinct culture, language and history. The album culminates with a powerful finale (and one of its most acclaimed tracks), "Nyansapo: The Wisdom Knot." Here, Chesne weaves together each of the recorded interpretations - one on top of the other - in a masterful achievement in music counterpoint. Also, for a limited time this holiday season, a special digital booklet, "How We Heal Our World: Translations of Peace," will accompany each album purchased at https://stevenchesne.bandcamp.com/album/sapient. The booklet features each of the tradition's authentic teachings, beautifully presented in their original forms, as well as cultural translations into English of all the stunning performances on "Sapient." "To see in one language how similar the themes, lessons and even specific phrases and words are amongst the various teachings is incredibly powerful, eye-opening and motivating," said Chesne. "That's what 'Sapient' is all about: engagement, awareness, connection, action and change." As part of his commitment to effecting this change, Chesne is donating a portion of sales to UNICEF's ongoing efforts to help protect the world's most vulnerable children. To receive the digital booklet and support UNICEF's important efforts, visit https://stevenchesne.bandcamp.com/album/sapient and purchase the full album digital download of "Sapient: A Cantata of Peace."
"Right now there is such a disconnect in the world and a divide within our own country," said Chesne. "We're living in a culture where similarities are ignored and differences are exploited so it's difficult to find a united front…even when we speak the same language. So, when you consider the diverse cultural perspectives represented on "Sapient,"and the variety of spiritual leaders, languages and musical influences represented, the fact that there is shared insight at all is profound. But to understand that they all agree on the most basic wisdom necessary for humanity to heal and survive is to understand how crucial peace and oneness of humankind are to us right now. Every day people tell me how moved they are by the music and the message of 'Sapient" and how they believe it could help bring the world together. My greatest hope is that the loving spirit of the holidays and the soulful impact of the album will proliferate the universal truth about the power of peace and oneness. If we want a brighter future, that's a great place to start."
"Chesne has to be one of the finest composers of his day to create a moment of genius like this…" - One World Music.
Making "Sapient" Authentic
In preparation for recording, Chesne met with historians, translators, clergy, monks, gurus, rabbis, imams, international scholars, linguists, etc., to study the meanings of these sacred writings. He chose vocalists who had a deep understanding already of the traditions they were interpreting, so by the time they were ready to record, they felt comfortable enough to be naturally expressive.
Vocalists:
William 'Kymo' Kamore Ven. Agga Mahapandita Dr. Walpola Piyananda
Mariani Shuilan May Ven. Bambarawane Kalyanawansa
Uyanga Bold Ven. Attidiye Pugngnarathana
Florence Kinyua
Natalie Shtangrud
Thomas Segen Taraneh Sakurai
Sudakshina Alagia Steven Rushingwind
Bhai Jaswant Singh Zira
"Sapient" Awards & Honors:
• Global
Music Awards (Gold Medals for "Best Album" and "Best Composition")
•
John Lennon Songwriting Contest ("Best World
Music Song")
• International Songwriting Competition ("Best Composition")
• International
Music & Entertainment Awards ("Spiritual Album of the Year")
• Clouzine Int'l
Music Awards ("Best World
Music Album")
• Hollywood
Music in Media Awards (Official Nominee)
•
Radio Music (Gold Medals for "Best Producer" and "Best Composition," World Music)
Prolific Career
Chesne has composed the scores to more than 300 primetime television shows, including "Batman: The Animated Series," "Family Matters," and "Hanging with Mr. Cooper." He also has scored 17 theatrical art-house films, after which the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) honored Chesne at an event recognizing his creative contribution to the soundtrack of art-house cinema. His orchestral concert works include four symphonies, two concertos, two orchestral suites, and two tone-poems, and works for string quartet, woodwind ensemble, theater and ballet. His works have been performed by The Ventura Symphony, The L.A.
Modern String Orchestra, The Los Angeles Ars Symphonia Orchestra, The La Mirada Symphony, and Mehli Mehta's American Youth Symphony.
