Andrea Bocelli’s Bocell’si German tour
Jamaica-born Jamaica- born Kris Kris Jobson Jobson choreographs for
JAMAICA-BORN DANCER and choreographer Kris Jobson, has added to his growing list of accomplishments when he was commissioned as the choreographer of the German tour for Andrea Bocelli in concert, performing with renowned ballerina and model Lia Kemendi.
Jobson, who currently calls Berlin
home, showcased his talents while living in Kingston, Jamaica, as a member of Ashé Performing Arts Company, and began touring with the group when he was just 14 years old.
After graduating from NY U’ sT is ch School of the Arts, Jobson further honed his talents at Dance of Harlem, Alvin Ailey, and The Joffrey Ballet schools.
Since then, he has lived and worked in major cities across the world, including New York , Los Angeles, M ilan, Rome, Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Zurich, just to name a few.
Jobson told The Gleaner that he is excited to be working with the famous Italian tenor, who returns to Germany
more than two decades after releasing his unforgettable hit Time to say Goodbye. He described landing this opportunity as one of those “meant-to-be moments” as he was recommended based on his talent as both a dancer and choreographer.
He noted that Signore Bocelli is quite an impressive performer, with a voice that can open a thousand hearts with just one note. “That is truly the impact he has on me while performing with him on stage. Unexpected nuances and subtle shifts in delivery occur in every concert as no two shows are the same,” Jobson told The Gleaner.
“His commanding yet graceful voice dictates every movement and gesture of my choreography, as I try to let his vocal expression be the guiding force of the physical world I create with my movements. In this marriage between voice and dance lies the magic that is expected of a Bocelli experience, and I am not only honoured to have helped create that experience, but to also be actually dancing, interpreting, and embodying that magic on stage right next to him.”
BOCELLI’S GLOBAL SUCCESS
Bocelli has recorded 15 solo studio albums of both pop and classical music; three greatest hits albums; and nine complete operas, selling over 80 million records worldwide.
Despite the tenor ’s global success, Jobson told The Gleaner that choreographing for an amazing artiste like Bocelli was sheer delight — having been given creative latitude. “I must reveal that I was given carte blanche to create for the concert. Having lived in Italy for many years, it was understood that I had a close affinity and understanding of Italian culture, and had followed Andrea B o c e l l i ’s career throughout the years. I speak fluent Italian, and so I was able to communicate with his team (director, sound technicians, conductor) and family in a close and intimate way to ensure that we were on the same page — so to speak. The choreographic worlds that I created were in homage to the timeless songs and voice of Bocelli, as well as the plethora of emotions and feelings that his performances i nvo k e i n a l l o f u s,” s t a te d Jobson.
Following the premiere event with Bocelli in April, Jobson and his partner have performed in Hamburg and Cologne, and will be visiting Berlin next month and Stuttgart and Hannover in January 2019.
This multitalented artist has had the fortune of being involved in a variety of creative industries including fashion, theatre, television, music, and recently added to the list that of choreographer, creative director, casting director and coordinator of multiple fashion shows during Berlin, Milan and Shanghai Fashion Week. Jobson told The Gleaner that having worked as a model for many years, combined with decades of dance, theatre and performance experience, he is often called upon to share his expertise with the fashion world.
So what ’s nex t for Kris Jobson? “I am currently in the midst of writing a Format T V Show where fashion meets dance, and also writing a
scripted TV series as well as my first feature film. Creativity abounds in this moment and when the inspirations come, I am obliged to document them and put them in motion. I continue to create events and shows of all kinds and enjoy collaborating with like-minded individuals who have something positive and empowering to share with the world. Art and performing are wonderful instruments that can eagerly share the magic of the human spirit and help shape our world. This is a passion for me and I am committed to this path,” Jobson remarked.