World Music

Tag: World Music

Gamelan ensembles close World Music Series

Lawrence University’s own 15-member Balinese gamelan ensemble —Gamelan Cahaya Asri — closes the college’s 2017-18 World Music Series with a performance Sunday, May 20 at 3 p.m. in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel. The concert is free and open to the public.

members of the Lawrence gamelan ensembleJoining Gamelan Cahaya Asri will be the 14-member community gamelan — Gamelan Sekar Kemuda — which includes players as young as 13 and as old as 82. A children’s gamelan of 11 students aged 5-10 years old, also will perform.

The concert will include a performance by Chicago-based Balinese dancer Claire Fassnacht. A 2013 Lawrence graduate, Fassnacht leads gamelan and dance workshops, private lessons and cultural lectures. She has performed as a musician and dancer with several gamelan ensembles in the U.S. and Bali, Indonesia. From 2015-17, she was a dancer and musician with MIT’s Gamelan Galak Tika in Boston.

Featuring metallophones, gongs, drums and bamboo flutes from Indonesia, the concert will include meditative traditional ceremonial pieces and vibrant contemporary works by Balinese composers.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.”  Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.

World Music Series welcomes Pedrito Martinez Group

Cuban-born percussionist Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez and his international bandmates bring their unique blend of Latin jazz, timba, gospel, guaguanco, blues and classical music to Lawrence University’s Warch Campus Center Wednesday, April 11 at 8 p.m. in a Lawrence World Music concert.

Tickets, at $10 adults; $5 for seniors/students are available through the Lawrence Box Office, 920-832-6749.

Pedro "Pedrito" MartinezKnown for both his beautiful voice and his exceptional percussion skills, Martinez will be joined by Cuban pianist and vocalist Ariacne Trujillo, Venezuelan-born bassist Alvaro Benavides and Peruvian-born percussionist Jhair Sala. They have performed together since Martinez formed the group in 2005.

Winner of the 2000 Thelonius Monk Award for Afro-Latin hand percussion, Martinez has recorded or performed with such diverse musical luminaries as Wynton Marsailis, Bruce Springsteen, Paquito D’Rivera and Sting.

The group’s self-titled debut album earned a Grammy Award nomination and was among NPR’s “Favorite Album” in 2013. Their second album, 2016’s “Habana Dreams,” was the top choice in NPR’s Jazz Critic Top Jazz Albums that year.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.”  Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.

World Music Series welcomes Gaelic Irish quintet Goitse

The multi-award winning quintet Goitse brings its distinctive sound of Irish traditional music to Lawrence University’s Harper Hall Monday, Feb. 26 as part of the university’s World Music Series.

Tickets for the 8 p.m. are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/students and are available through the Lawrence Box Office, 920-832-6749.

Irish band Goitse
Goitse is James Harvey, Tadhg Ó Meachair, Áine McGeeney Colm Phelan and Conal O’Kane.

Known for the quality of their own compositions interspersed with traditional tunes from Ireland and abroad, Goitse was launched at Limerick University’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. Crowned Live Ireland’s “Traditional Group of the Year” in 2015, the band has since added Chicago Irish American News’ “Group of the Year” and Germany’s prestigious “Freiurger International Leiter award in 2016 to its resume.

The band consists of All-Ireland bodhrán champion Colm Phelan, South Philadelphia native guitarist Conal O’Kane, the sweet, charismatic voice and energetic fiddle playing of Áine McGeeney, award-winning banjo and mandolin virtuoso James Harvey and Dublin piano and piano accordionist Tadhg Ó Meachair, who bridges the gap between melody and accompaniment.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.

Nirmala Rajesekar brings Indian classical repertoire to World Music Series

Indian classical music will be highlighted when Nirmala Rajasekar takes the stage Wednesday, Oct 25 in the second concert in Lawrence University’s 2017-18 World Music Series.

Nirmala Rajasekar
Master veena artiste Nirmala Rajasekar

Rajasekar will be joined by renowned violinist, violist, composer and educator VVS Murari; Sri Murugaboopathi, a.k.a. Boopathi, one of the world’s most celebrated mridangam players; and acclaimed khanjira artist KV Gopalakrishnan.

Tickets for the concert, at 8 p.m. in Harper Hall of the Music-Drama Center, are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/students and are available online through the Lawrence Box Office or by calling 920-832-6749.

Rajasekar, who made her concert debut at the age of 13, has established herself as a world-class artist during her nearly four decades of performances. One of the most recognized names in the world of Indian classical music today, Rajasekar has been hailed as a “dynamic and vibrant performer.”

She is known for her creative exploration of the ancient Indian instrument, the seven-stringed Saraswathi veena and her vast repertoire reflects her adherence to the rich tradition, heritage and lineage of her gurus.

Rajasekar has been the recipient of numerous international honors and awards for her contributions to music and education, among them recognition from the Music Academy Madras, known as the Carnegie Hall of India.

The artistic director of the Naadha Rasa (Essence of Tone) Center for Music, Rajasekar travels around the world teaching and performing Carnatic Music vocally and on her veena.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.

Welsh band Calan opens 2017-18 World Music Series

The five-member band Calan opens Lawrence University’s 2017-18 World Music Series Monday, Sept 18 with its vibrant version of traditional Welsh music.

The concert is at 8 p.m. in Stansbury Theatre of the Music-Drama Center. Tickets, at $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/students, are available through the Lawrence Box Office, 920-832-6749, or online.

Calan bandEye-catching clothes and a presentation to match reinforce Calan’s vision of itself as a new generation of Welsh musical ambassadors. Blending fiddles, guitar, accordion, harp and a traditional pibgorn into sparkling melodies and spirited performances of Welsh step dancing, Calan blasts its way through old favorite reels, jigs and hornpipes with fast-paced, uplifting arrangements.

Frank Hennessy told BBC Radio Wales, “Calan have it all. Energy, attitude, freshness, a sense of fun and above all, real talent.”

Calan released its debut album “Bling” in 2008 to critical acclaim. It generated large audiences and rave reviews at concerts and festivals throughout Britain and Europe, including the coveted Cambridge Festival. They were honored with the Best Group Award at the 2008 Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France.

Since “Bling,” Calan has released three more albums, including 2017’s “Solomon,” a 12-track record that mixes traditional acoustic folk with bumping beats and pounding rhythms. Calan album cover of "Solomon"

Accordion player Bethan Rhiannon, who sings in both English and Welsh, is a national clog dancing competition champion who often displays her award-winning step-dancing.

Rhiannon is joined by Patrick Rimes, a former three-time junior Celtic Welsh fiddle champion who counts  the Welsh bagpipes among the multiple instruments he plays; fiddle player Angharad Jenkins, daughter of noted Welsh poet Nigel Jenkins; guitarist Sam Humphreys, a converted rock and electronic music performer; and harpist Alice French who specializes in traditional harp methods used by the Romani Gypsies of Wales.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.

Indian tabla, santoor masters featured in World Music Series concert

Musician/composer/educator Zakir Hussain, widely considered one of the world’s foremost masters of the Indian tabla, brings his unique talents to Lawrence University Wednesday, April 26 for the university’s 2016-17 World Music Series. He will be joined by Indian classical musician Rahul Sharma.

A photo of Indian muscian Zakir Hussain
Tabla master Zakir Hussain

Tickets for the 8 p.m. performance in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel, at $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/students, are available through the Lawrence Box Office, 920-832-6749 or online at go.lawrence.edu/boxoffice.

Since the passing of Ravi Shankar in 2012, the San Francisco-based Hussain has established himself as India’s greatest classical musician. Considered by many a chief architect of the contemporary world music movement, Hussain is widely regarded in the field of percussion and in the music world at-large as an international phenomenon. A child prodigy who began his professional career at the age of 12, Hussain was touring internationally by time he was 18.

A 2009 Grammy Award-winner in the Contemporary World Music Album category, Hussain also was voted “Best Percussionist” in the 2015 Downbeat Critics’ Poll and Modern Drummer’s Reader’s Poll.

As an educator, he conducts frequent workshops and lectures each year, has held artist-in-residence appointments at Princeton and Stanford universities and in 201 was appointed Regents Lecturer at University of California-Berkeley.

A photo of Indian musician Rahul Sharma
Santoor master Rahul Sharma

Performing Hindustani classical music, Sharma is a master of the 100-string santoor, which is played by striking the strings with a pair of light wooden mallets. A native of Mumbai, Sharma has collaborated with numerous international musicians, including pianist Richard Clayderman and keyboardist Kersi Lord.

Sharma provided the music for the Hindi feature film “Mujhse Dosti Karoge,” for which he won the Best Debut Music Director award at the 2002 Zee Bollywood Music Awards. During a 2015 visit to Delhi by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Sharma played songs by The Beatles on the santoor for the royal couple.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.”  Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.

 

Lawrence World Music Series welcomes Kane Mathis

A photo of Kane Mathis with a Turkish oud and a 21-string kora.
Kane Mathis will perform with a Turkish oud and a 21-string kora in his Feb. 8 concert.

Brooklyn-based composer and musician Kane Mathis shares an evening of music with traditional instruments from West Africa and Turkey Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. in a Lawrence University World Music Series concert in Harper Hall of the Music-Drama Center.

General public tickets, at $10 for adults and $5 for seniors/students, are available through the Lawrence Box Office, 920-832-6749. The concert is free to members of the Lawrence community with LU I.D.

Performing on the 21-string kora, which he studied for more than 10 years in Gambia, West Africa, and the Turkish oud, Mathis brings an exotic blend to his audiences with traditional music he enjoys from other cultures. The kora, also known as the Mandinka harp, is made from a large gourd, cut in half and covered in cow skin. The oud is a pear-shaped, lute-like instrument with a short neck.

Mathis writes new music for both instruments as well as experimental works for electronic fixed media.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.”  Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.

Tuvan acoustic quartet opens Lawrence’s 2016-17 World Music Series

A photo of Tuvan throat singing group "Huun Huur Tu."The traditional music and instruments from the Russian province of Tuva come to Lawrence University’s Stansbury Theatre Monday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m as the acoustic quartet Huun Huur Tu opens the college’s 2016-17 World Music Series. Tickets, at $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/students, are available through the Lawrence University Box Office, 920-832-6947. Free to Lawrence faculty/students/staff.

The performance features musicians deeply rooted in the art of Tuvan music. Huun Huur Tu specializes in throat singing, a unique singing style that is popularly practiced throughout East and Central Asia, as well as in northern Canada and South Africa.

While throat singing is usually performed acappella, this program celebrates traditional Tuvan music with the addition of traditional instruments. The power of human voices form eerie overtones producing a meditative, evocative sound straight from the avant garde. Using traditional instruments such as the igil, Tuvan jaw harp and dünggür (shaman drum), and drawing subtly on 20th-century composers, Huun Huur Tu transforms ancient songs into complex acoustic compositions.

Founded in 1992, Huun Huur Tu has released 15 albums, including “Ancestors Call” and “Legend” in 2010.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.”  Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.

Lawrence Wins International Percussion Ensemble Competition

LUPE-Percussion_competition_newsblog
The Lawrence University Percussion Ensemble won the 2014 Percussive Arts Society’s World Percussion Ensemble Competition and will be a featured performer at the PAS international convention in November.

The Lawrence University Percussion Ensemble (LUPÉ) will be among the featured performers at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention this November in Indianapolis, Ind., after winning the organization’s 2014 International World Percussion Ensemble Competition.

LUPÉ — comprising the Sambistas, a Brazilian drumming corps, Kinkaviwo, a Ghanaian drum and dance group and Tambotoke´, an Afro-Cuban group — was selected the winner from among submitted video tapes. The annual PAS-sponsored World Percussion Competition is open to high school and college/university ensembles performing non-Western percussion-based music. Lawrence’s submission was from its March 2014 concert in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel.

It is the second time LUPE has won a PAS international competition under the direction of Professor of Music Dane Richeson. LUPE won the 1995 PAS collegiate percussion ensemble competition and performed at its international conference in Phoenix that year.

Dane-Richeson_newsblog
Professor of Music Dane Richeson

“I am so proud of my students and am honored to be recognized by the Percussive Arts Society for the second time,” said Richeson, who has directed Lawrence’s percussion studio since 1984. “Winning the World Percussion Ensemble Competition is a testament to the dedication and hard work our students put into learning these music traditions from Brazil, Ghana and Cuba. Many of the student directors of our ensembles have received grants to travel to these countries and study with master musicians similar to the ones I have had opportunities to study with during my sabbaticals there. It fills me with pride to see our students embrace this music as if it was from their own culture.”

The Percussive Arts Society International Convention is the world’s largest percussion event, featuring more than 120 concerts, clinics, master classes, labs, workshops, panels and presentations. Lawrence will perform at the convention with winners in other categories of PAS-sponsored competitions, including ensembles from the University of Kentucky, Oklahoma State University and Yale University.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2015 and the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Individualized learning, the development of multiple interests and community engagement are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.