Inuksuit

Inuksuit (for 9-99 percussionists)

By John Luther Adams

Recognized by The New Yorker as one of 2011’s Best Classical Performances, “Inuksuit” is a monumental work by John Luther Adams (American, born 1953) scored for nine to ninety-nine percussionists. The composer intends for the work to be performed outdoors and to be experienced by moving throughout the performance environment.

Inuksuit is a term significant to the Arctic region, and refers to a type of man-made stone landmark. Luther Adams, whose works are inspired largely by the ecology of the North, has said, “Music can contribute to the awakening of our ecological understanding. By deepening our awareness of our connections to the earth, music can provide a sounding model for the renewal of human consciousness and culture.” “Inuksuit” has been performed in New York’s Morningside Park and at the Park Avenue Armory, and at venues throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.

This performance was realized by students and faculty from UT Austin, UTSA, Rice University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M—Corpus Christi, and Sam Houston State University.