Jonn Serrie was torn between composing music and pursuing a career as a professional pilot. Choosing the former, Serrie began his musical direction in the '70s, demonstrating synthesizer technology for Electronic Music Laboratories , a Connecticut based manufacturing and research facility. “I was fortunate to have such an in-depth understanding of synthesis early in the development of electronic music. It enabled me to see the future of the industry from a unique perspective.” Jonn has since become a pilot and holds advanced instrument and commercial ratings.
Jonn’s premier release, "And the Stars Go With You ," is a journey into the depths of deep space. Over the years, it has become a classic space music recording, selling over one hundred fifty thousand copies. Serrie was selected by the planetarium industry to compose the music for NASA's Teacher in Space program of the mid-80s. Jonn created the album to honor the courageous individuals who perished on the program’s inaugural mission. His music was specifically featured for the premier show at the opening ceremony for the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord, New Hampshire.
Serrie’s recorded works include a double CD retrospective of his years at the top of the space music universe called "Century Seasons." More than two hours in length, it celebrates the long form musical journeys taken from his catalog of previous releases. The project also highlights two new compositions, “Deep Mystery” and “Andromeda Dream”.
Another release is "Hidden World" on Narada Records. Serrie collaborates with flute virtuoso Gary Stroutsos to create an album combining the worlds of space music with ancient Native American and World tribal music
Other titles include the adventurous "Flightpath," world music influenced "Tingri ," and two compilation albums of music from his various planetarium projects entitled "Planetary Chronicles Volume 1" and "Volume 2. " Also, two sister albums around the theme of epic romance entitled "Midsummer Century" and "Ixlandia ," a Native American space music album called "Spiritkeepers" and three instrumental Christmas releases "Upon a Midnight Clear ," "Yuletides ," and "Merrily on High ."
"Lumia Nights ," an album of soft romantic jazz and "The Stargazer’s Journey ," a concept album with liner notes written by famed astronomer David Levy encompass the universe of sound and sense. Smooth gentle melodies and graceful space journeys surround you in an atmosphere of romantic elegance and deep space wonders. Jonn’s latest album, "Epiphany, Meditations on Sacred Hymns ," returns him to his spiritual and musical roots. The arrangements are soft and gentle, perfect for contemplative listening.
Serrie’s list of achievements and contributions is both diverse and esteemed. He was commissioned to compose the music for the world’s first interactive domed theatre production with George Lucas and the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. His music has been heard in literally hundreds of theatres worldwide including London, Munich, Sweden, Japan, China, Canada, South America and Australia. He recently completed a project with IMAX Corporation and the Space Telescope Science Institute on a feature film about the discovery of Deep Field galaxies beyond the known universe. The film won first place in the Large Format Film Festival in Los Angeles this year. Jonn’s music is also featured in the new planetarium theatre on the Queen Mary 2 , the world’s largest and most advanced luxury cruise ship in the world.
His music is used in World’s Fair exhibits around the globe, including the Futures Pavilion in Seville, which received the top award for the best science exhibit. Jonn has contributed music to PBS ( John Glenn ; an American Hero), the Discovery Channel “Wings” series, the Weather Channel , the U.S.Navy Blue Angels , custom music for aviation’s top female aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff and a unique presentation of educational narrative and live music with NASA astronaut Story Musgrave called “Space Stories”.
Jonn has composed music for the hit Hollywood film “What The Bleep Do We Know?” starring Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin and for Academy Award winner David Carradine’s Tai Chi series.
Jonn performed worldwide at the anniversary celebration of Apollo 11 televised live from Cape Canaveral, as well as premier performances at the Ansari-X Prize and ISDC VIP events in 1996 and in 2005. He has performed before world leaders at the Carter Center in Atlanta, GA. Jonn also sponsors the Galaxy Music Scholarship , a $1000 prize awarded to graduating high school students. The scholarship involves the creation of original ambient electronic music.
The music of Jonn Serrie embraces the expansiveness of space with the intelligent use of melody. He has made space understandable and the soul accessible. |
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