Outreach
PALENAI is a symbol of unified diversity. From the beginning of their artistic partnership, Joy and Adrienne believed that music could be a link to a diversity of endeavours—connecting performance, education and community.. They shared the conviction that music could reach beyond the concert stage to have a far-reaching and positive impact.
That belief has remained central to their work. Over the years, the duo has performed for numerous fundraising initiatives and in care homes. Their commitment to the preservation of natural environments and animal ethics also inspired programs and collaborations with the Sierra Club of Western Canada, the British Columbia Provincial Museum, The Fur-Bearers and the National Society of Musicians Animals.
We Stand with Ukraine
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had a profound and personal impact on Joy and Adrienne. Having performed in Ukraine and formed friendships there, they watched the unfolding events with heartbreak and deep concern for their friends in Odessa. They felt compelled to respond in the way they knew best—through music.
Over eight months, they brought together 140 musicians and Ukrainian dancers from the Kingston community, along with a guest Ukrainian soprano from Europe, for We Stand with Ukraine, a major fundraising concert at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. PALENAI created three hours of original visuals for the concert, bringing music, dance and imagery together in an expression of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
It was one of the most ambitious outreach projects of their career—and one undertaken from the heart.
PALENAI at the podium
Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
Congratulations on an incredible evening. The Ukrainian Canadian community is truly grateful that Canadians continue to Stand With Ukraine. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
— Alexandra Chyczij, National President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress
We welcome your participation as we fulfil our purpose to educate, entertain, and inspire the public on behalf of animal rights.
PALENAI recording for the National Society of Musicians for Animals
Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals.
Photo - Konstantin Chernichen
The Kyiv Independent
Forest Fantasia · 1984 — Bach, Brahms, Baker, Kulesha
The duo became increasingly aware of the controversy surrounding the clear-cutting of British Columbia’s old-growth forests. With support from the British Columbia Provincial Museum and in collaboration with the Sierra Club of Western Canada, they created a one-hour multimedia concert combining music, images and narration to explore the importance of preserving these irreplaceable natural environments.
The unique combination of art forms created an innovative and most successful multimedia expression conveying the spiritual need for the preservation of wilderness environments.
— Sierra Club of Western Canada
Afterimages · 1995
Music by Alexina Louie
Photography by Joy Innis, with abstract imagery and video footage.
This 22-minute multimedia work confronts environmental devastation and its consequences for animals and the natural world. Through the integration of music and visual imagery, Afterimages explores our relationship with other living beings and the responsibility we share for the stewardship of the Earth
Afterimages was aired on WIPB Public Broadcasting and performed at Ball State University and the Pacific Rim Summer Festival.
Community Outreach
Providence Continuing Care Centre, Mental Health Services, Kingston, ON · 2003
Heritage Arts Society, Dade City, FL · Fundraising duo concert · 1999
Westminster Seniors Home, Muncie, IN · 1992–1995
Wainwright Auxiliary Hospital, AB · 1992
Bethany Care Hospital, Cochrane, AB · 1991
Vancouver Island Food Banks · Fundraising concerts · 1985, 1987
Juan de Fuca Hospital Society, Victoria, BC · Music Appreciation series · 1983–1984
“The enthusiasm, patience, and compassion shown by PALENAI make any session with them a memorable occasion.”
— Juan de Fuca Hospital Society, Victoria, BC
“When we watch the blossoming out of adults and children, we get a glimmer of the expertise and professionalism of Joy and Adrienne.”
— Letter to the Editor, Westerly News, Ucluelet, BC