Jaffna Music Festival : February 2013

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Day 1

Friday March 01, 2013

05.00 pm – 05.25 pm : Traditions Meet

05.25 pm – 05.50 pm : Pakkeer Baith – (Ampara)

05.50 pm – 06.20 pm : Sabreen Association (Palestine)

06.20 pm – 06.45 pm : Phoolan Devi Opera

06.45 pm – 07.10 pm : Parai Mela Koothu - (Mulliyawalai)

07.10 pm – 07.30 pm : Casa Murilo (Norway)

07.30 pm – 07.50 pm : Dance Collaboration - Nirtya Nandan (Bangladesh) Hat Trick & Fiddle (Norway), Aru Sri Art Theatre (Sri Lanka)

07.50 pm – 08.10 pm : Chirkutt (Bangladesh)

08.10 pm – 08.35 pm : Colombo Brass Ensemble

08.35 pm – 09.05 pm : Ila Arun Troupe (India)

09.05 pm – 09.30 pm : Sapthami

09.30 pm – 10.00 pm : Harmonia Do Brasil (Brazil)

10.00 pm – 10.25 pm : Naadro

Day 2

Saturday March 02, 2013

05.00 pm – 05.25 pm : Oriental Music Orchestra

05.25 pm – 05.50 pm : Marai Kaatha Maaveerar - (Pasiyoor)

05.50 pm – 06.20 pm : Sabreen Association (Palestine)

06.20 pm – 06.45 pm : The Musicmatters Collective

06.45 pm – 07.05 pm : Casa Murilo (Norway)

07.05 pm – 07.25 pm : Chirkutt (Bangladesh)

07.25 pm – 07.45 pm : Bangladesh Norway Music Collaboration

07.45 pm – 08.10 pm : Ranwala Brigade

08.10 pm – 08.40 pm : Harmonia Do Brasil (Brazil)

08.40 pm – 09.05 pm : Dance Collaboration - Nirtya Nandan (Bangladesh) Hat Trick & Fiddle (Norway), Aru Sri Art Theatre (Sri Lanka)

09.05 pm – 09.30 pm : Sanni Yakuma – Benthara

09.30 pm – 10.00 pm : Ila Arun Troupe (India)

10.00 pm – 10.25 pm : Ravibandu Vidyapathi Drum Ensemble

Sapthami

Sapthami

Sapthami is a well-established band in Jaffna. The group experiments with a wide genre of music such as, melody music, Karnatic music and Hindu and Christian devotional songs. Their songs are all recorded in their own studio and they have produced CDs and DVDs for various companies, schools and religious institutions in Jaffna.

The group’s major focus is on Sri Lankan Tamil dramas and it has also contributed towards the making of short films in relation to lending its expertise in music, audio and video editing technology.

This group also works closely with students and looks to encouraging the younger generations to take up music.

The Musicmatters Collective

The Musicmatters Collective

The Musicmatters Collective is an ensemble dedicated to the exploration of creative music-making. The musicians of The Musicmatters Collective are all affiliated with Musicmatters in Colombo, where they conduct music lessons, experiment with various approaches to music-making, and organize performances.

This particular project sees the collective presenting music inspired by the improvisational tradition of jazz, based on melodies from Sri Lankan folk music.

Sumudi Suraweera, backed by his long-term research on Sri Lankan Low Country drumming, brings an original approach and sound to the drums. Isaac Smith from New Zealand has been residing in Sri Lanka for the past two years, teaching, initiating various musical projects and introducing the double-bass to young Sri Lankan musicians.

One such musician who has taken up the study of the double-bass is the exceptionally talented Uvindu Perera. The guitarist and violinist of the collective are respected and established musicians in their own right: Sarani Perera in the progressive music scene, and Eshantha Peiris as one of the most acclaimed classical pianists in Sri Lanka. Their strongest influence for this project is perhaps their common study of Indian classical music. Short-term Musicmatters resident – Bastian Dunker from Berlin, adds yet another dimension to the collective with his influences and experience with European improvisational music. The musicians of The Musicmatters Collective have performed around the world with various other projects; in Europe, Australia, United States, India, China and New Zealand.

The Musicmatters Collective promises a highly skilled music performance, with a unique and exciting approach to Sri Lankan folk melodies. This is a must see at the Jaffna Music Festival 2013.

Ravibandu Vidyapathi Drum Ensemble

The Ravibandu Vidyapathi Drum Ensemble is lead by acclaimed Sri Lankan drummer, dancer and choreographer Ravibandu Vidyapathi. Ravibandu was trained from childhood in traditional Sri Lankan dance forms by the gurus Chitrasena & Vajira. He later travelled to India to the Kerala Kala Mandalam, where he received a rigorous formal training in the Kathakali dance form. Upon his return, he established his own dance school, the Ravibandu-Samanthi Dance Academy, with his wife Samanthi, who is also a dancer and dance teacher. He created the form of the Short Ballet, and has choreographed and danced in several critically acclaimed dance pieces which combine both the traditional and the contemporary – such as “For the Young Killed in War and Judas”.

As a drummer, he has explored and experimented with various aspects of drumming and drum composition, and has created new dimensions for traditional drums and drum rhythms. The Ravibandu Vidyapathi Drum Ensemble has toured throughout the world, appearing at festivals such as WOMAD, and performed at the Kennedy Centre in 2008, to great acclaim.

Ravibandu himself has shared the stage with world-famous drummers such as Billy Cobham and Zakir Hussein. Today, the Ravibandu Vidyapathi Drum Ensemble is widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s finest drum ensembles.

Ranwala Brigade

The late Lional Ranwala, archivist and developer of traditional Sri Lankan music began the Ranwala Foundation to preserve Sri Lankan traditional folk music by popularizing the art form amongst the younger generations. Following in his footsteps, his son Sahan Ranwala continues to work on preserving the essence of the Sri Lankan folk music tradition in Sri Lanka for the next generation.

The Ranwala Foundation conducts lectures and workshops on folk music for University undergraduates and school students to raise their awareness of the richness and uniqueness of traditional Sri Lankan music. The foundation conducts academic research on folk music and collects folk tunes and melodies from across the island for archiving purposes.

This foundation is made up of several counterparts including “Ranwala Brigade”, “Mathu Parapura”, “Ranwala Children’s Brigade”, “Swasthi” and “Thalama National Foundation”.

“Ahase Innawalu – 1999”, “Gama Awlanggnang – 2003”, “Yuddetath Ewith – 2007”, “Podi Ayata Jana Gee – 2007”, “Onna Babo Ethinniya – 2010” and “Three – 2011” are some of their renditions of traditional Sri Lankan folk music.

The group has toured Australia, China, India, Cyprus and many other countries. In 2011 the Ranwala Foundation won first place at International Folk Music Awards which was held in Shanjiaji-China.

Naadro

“Naadro” began performing with simple percussion instruments but their passion for percussion soon led them to master instruments from a wide range of cultures.

Today “Naadro” creates an electrifying rhythm and sound using both Sri Lankan traditional instruments and other percussion instruments to produce their own signature style of percussion. The group is constantly exploring the potential of using traditional percussion instruments from India, Japan, Latin America and Africa along with traditional Sri Lankan drums to create new percussion music.

This blend of world percussion music traditions and styles has attracted a large and growing following across the world. The group has toured India, Singapore, Australia, South Africa and USA.

“Naadro” has composed many of their own original pieces complementing the wonderful repertoire of world traditional percussion music they perform so masterfully. They are popular background music artists used for Sri Lankan movies and songs. The group conducts programmes for school children to popularize percussion music among the younger generation.

Classical Music Group - Mangala Isai

Mangala Isai

Traditions Meet - Classical Instrumental Recital

This will be a novel attempt at blending North Indian classical music with South Indian Carnatic music. Well known Hindustani and Carnatic musicians will perform together and bring out the uniqueness of each tradition as well as the beauty and splendor of being in harmony. Both systems are based on ragas, India's loveliest of gifts to the world. Music has no barriers, and this unique combination of traditions will touch the spirit and heart of its listeners.

Dr. Nirmala Kumari (Sitar) studied for 11 years in India at the Bhatkhande College of Music Lucknow and the Benaras Hindu University and obtained her Doctorate in Music. She has held many sitar concerts in India, Europe and Sri Lanka.

Shasthrapathi Sarath Kumara Liyanawatte (Flute) studied music under his father. He graduated from the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya and obtained the Degree of Master of Music from the Benaras Hindu University.

Suderamoorthy Gobithas (Violin) was awarded a Diploma in Music (Violin) by the University of Jaffna. He worked as an Assistant Lecturer in Violin at the Ramanathan Academy of Fine Arts, University of Jaffna.

Sangeetha Vidvan, Isai Kalai Mani Wageeshan (Veena) is a disciple of Karaikudi T. R. Sanbasivan and Dr R. S. Jayalaxmy. He studied the veena at the Government Music College Chennai and has performed at many music kachcheris in India and Sri Lanka.

M. Lohendran (Miruthangam) is the youngest son of the famous miruthangam artist and lecturer at the University of Jaffna. He started learning the miruthangam from his early childhood. He continued in higher studies in miruthangam at Annamalai University India.

Peshala Manoj (Tabla) graduated and obtained the Degree of Master of Music from the Bhatkhande University Lucknow. He has held many tabla solo performances in Sri Lanka and India. He is a member of the academic support staff at the University of Visual & Performing Arts.

Shasthrapathi Yamuna Uswatte (Thampura) graduated from the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya. She has obtained the Degree of Master of Music from University of Kelaniya and is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya.

Classical Music Group - Oriental Music Orchestra

Oriental Music Orchestra

Sri Lanka's first multi-ethnic oriental music orchestra, showcasing the diverse ethnic and regional musical traditions that exist in the country will perform again at the Jaffna Music Festival 2013. The Oriental Music Orchestra works towards bringing together talented youngsters from different ethnic groups in Sri Lanka.

Instructors:

Vadya Nipun Sangeeth Visharad Dr. (Mrs) Nirmala Kumari Rodrigo is an educator and Sitarist par excellence. She was the first Sri Lankan to obtain a Doctor of Music, Performances and Composition from the Banaras Hindu University.

Shasthrapathi Kumara Liyanawatte is a renowned flutist well versed in both the Hindistani and Carnatic traditions of classical music. Shasthrapathi Kumara Liyanawatte has performed in several international venues. He received his Masters in Music from the Banaras Hindu University.

Mrs. Rathai Kumarathas is a former music producer at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation for almost a decade. Mrs. Kumarathas is an experienced veena artist and vocalist in the Carnatic tradition.

Mr. Suntharamoorthy Gobithas is a Lecturer at the University of Jaffna and President of Sangamam Institute. Issai Kalai Mani Suntharamoorthy Gobithas is a violinist in the Carnatic tradition, who has performed both in local and international venues.

The orchestra project was spearheaded by the Institute of Human Excellence (IHE) and Aru Sri Art Theater. The project is funded by the Music Cooperation between Norway and Sri Lanka.

Classical Music Groups - Phoolan Devi Opera

Phoolan Devi Opera

In 2008, Gayathri Khemadasa decided to write an opera about the life of Phoolan Devi (the Bandit Queen of India in the 1980’s) after being inspired by her powerful autobiography. Gayathri is the daughter of the late Premasiri Khemadasa, who was the first Sri Lankan to write an opera and had an illustrious career as a composer. Growing up, in the house of the “Master” and being surrounded by his melodies has deeply influenced Gayathri’s decision to become a composer and follow in her father’s footsteps. After studying music in Prague, Czech Republic, she received a Fulbright Scholarship to work on the opera in 2011 and gave a premier performance in Connecticut, USA in May of last year, as well as performances at esteemed places such as Dartmouth College N.H., as well as institutions on the east and west coast of the US.

After many years of living away, Gayathri has returned to Sri Lanka with the ambition of restarting her father’s music academy, the Khemadasa Foundation. The foundation was established in Sri Lanka in 1992 by Premasiri Khemadasa to foster the musical talents of low-income youths, regardless of race, religion or gender and especially those from underprivileged parts of the country. All training and courses given to these students has been free of charge. These musicians will carry the opera’s message as a statement about violence against women and children, around the country and the globe.

Classical Music Groups - Naatharanjanie

Naatharanjanie

Natharanhanie is a well-known group of classical Carnatic vocalists in Jaffna.

Shankaranathan Vimalasekara (Tabla) is a young, leading percussionist who is a graduate from the University of Jaffna. He obtained a First Class in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in miruthangam. He began performing as an accompanist from the age of 15 receiving 3 awards from the University of Jaffna for his outstanding performance and is currently an accompanist and a lecturer at the University of Jaffna.

Nadarajah Satheeskumar (Moochang) is a talented percussionist who has received the title of “KALAVITHTHAKAR” from the North Ceylon Music Society. He is a contributor for all programmes conducted by the Society and is an accompanist for its recordings.

Ampalavannar Jeyaraman (Violin) is a student of the late Guru Brahmasri S.Sarwesvara Samel and his father late V.Ampalavanar. He is now a famous senior artist in Sri Lanka. He is a skilled instrumentalist on bowed and fretted instruments, including the mandolin.

Navaratnam Paranthaman (Vocals) is a young leading vocalist and a graduate from the University of Jaffna. He is now a lecturer in vocal music at the university. He learnt Carnatic music, Tamilizhai & Devotional music from his Guru Isithamizhrenthar , Sangeetha Kalaanidu Dr. N.V.M Navarathnam.

Thanasoruby Navarathnam (Tampura) is an eminent leading young vocalist in Sri Lanka and is a graduate from the University of Jaffna. Whilst obtaining a First Class in the Bachelor of Fine Arts, she also did a postgraduate study in vocal music in Tamil university, Thanjavur & obtained a First Class in her M.A in Vocal music.

S.Matiendram (Mirdangam) is a Master of Philosophy in Music and a famous senior artist in Sri Lanka. He has served as a lecturer for three decades at the department of Music in the University of Jaffna. He is an artist of the Rupavahini Cooperation & Broadcasting Cooperation.

Classical Music Groups - Colombo Brass Ensemble

Colombo Brass Ensemble

The Colombo Brass Ensemble is a group of musicians who are dedicated to promoting Brass Music in the Island. CBE is the pioneering brass ensemble and only brass group currently existing in the country. The ensemble was formed in 2005 by a group of brass musicians who are also members of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka.

One of the group’s main missions is to promote an understanding and appreciation of brass instruments throughout Sri Lanka and to encourage and foster talent for the future. CBE believes that there is still a great void and lack of knowledge as to how a brass instrument should be performed and works tirelessly to spread awareness.

The CBE plays a very active role and hosts various performances, guest performances, workshops, outreach programs, wedding services and special events.

The CBE performs annually at St Andrew’s Scotts Kirk, Colombo 3 for Christmas and Easter and often performs for special events such the Hymn Festival accompanied by an organist and a choir. In 2012 CBE was invited to perform a concert organized by Sewalanka Foundation in collaboration with the visiting Norwegian Trumpet Ensemble named ‘The 3 Trumpets’. In mid-2013 CBE plans to hold its maiden concert at St Andrew’s Scott Kirk.

Folk Music Group - Ritual Songs of Batticaloa

Ritual Songs of Batticaloa

Hindu culture in Batticaloa is very unique. There are numerous non-agamic temples in this region. The worship of female goddesses - Kali amman, Maariy amman, Kannakai amman, Draupathi amman are very popular. The annual main events in these temples are called “Chadankup” (rituals). The songs which are sung during these rituals are called “Chadankup Paadalkal” (rituals songs). It is believed that some deities can possess humans and these ritual songs praise those deities. These songs are sung either collectively or by an individual.

In this programme, the students from Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies, Eastern University, Sri Lanka perform the ritual songs on Maariy amman, and Drupathi Amman. The programme is produced by Ms. Priyatharsini Jatheeswaran with the assistance of Professor S. Maunaguru.

Folk Music Group - Sanni Yakuma – Benthara

Sanni Yakuma – Benthara

In Sri Lanka, one of the most dramatic forms of dance occurs in exorcist healing rituals (called Tovil, Thovil, Toile, Yakuma and Yakun-natima). These are folk traditions that have been greatly influenced by Buddhism.

The Daha Ata Sanniya is a traditional dance ritual that combines mythical exorcism of 18 types of diseases from the human body, employing deft psychological manipulation. Exorcists wear masks depicting the demons thought to be responsible for a person’s ailments. Most Sri Lankans rarely have a chance to witness this extremely colourful and vibrant ceremony, due to the exorbitant costs and duration of the performance, traditionally lasting up to 12 hours.

A Gurunnanse – or master of ceremonies – holds out a pouch of flammable powder from which dancers light their torches. Fire dancers bend backwards and lower flaming torches into their mouths. A Yakka devil and brightly costumed performers in fearsome, elaborate masks all dance and move to the music and rhythmic beating of Yak Bera drums. This devil dance known as the Daha Ata Sanniya, is a carefully crafted ritual with a history reaching far back into Sri Lanka’s pre-Buddhist past.

Folk Music Group - Vezhalam Padutha Veerangani – Mulliyawalai, Mullaithivu

Vezhalam Padutha Veerangani – Mulliyawalai, Mullaithivu

This is the most popular form of Koothu existing in the Vanni. The story depicts the tragic story of a heroic lady who bravely faced and tamed a ferocious elephant thought uncontrollable by all. Due to this exemplary act, jealous parties in the village put her to death. Her husband, heartbroken, and unable to move on, sacrifices his own life in order to spend eternity with his wife. This story which has been passed down for generations has been committed to paper by Rathnasinghem of Mullavelli who has then transformed this to the Koothu form.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Folk Group - Parei Mela Koothu - Mulliyawalai, Mullaithivu

Parei Mela Koothu - Mulliyawalai, Mullaithivu

Parai Mela (parai drum) is a percussion instrument which has its roots grounded in ancient times. The parai artists from Kanakarayankulam and Mulliavalai in Mullativu have passed this particular koothu (which is unique to Vanni) from generation to generation for the last 7 years in its purest form. This particular Pari Mela Koothu has become an integral part of life in Vanni and the group performs for both religious and social occasions. The manner in which they use and make music with the parai drum is unique from other Parai groups. These performances are their source of income and they are eager to continue this unique tradition and introduce it to a wider audience.

Folk Music Group - Papiravaham Koothu

Folk Music Group

Papiravaham Koothu

Folk Music Group - Pakeer Baith – Ampara

Pakeer Baith – Ampara

Pakeer Baith is a traditional performance of Muslims in Ampara. This performance is based on the sequences of a Muslim wedding from the beginning to the end of the wedding. It starts with the choosing of a groom for the bride. Then bride’s relations come to the groom’s home and register the wedding on Islamic law in front of Mosque Maraikkar and Lebbai. This event is called Kaavin. The Groom, his friends, and his relatives go to the bride’s home around 8.00 in the night. The interesting part of the Muslim wedding from a folk music tradition is when the groom reaches the bride’s home and sits on the chair and the special wedding song called Manamangala Malai is sung. The wedding procession finishes with the Sabaash, Duas and Sayiny Aaamin. The groom and bride are then joined together in their wedded life.

Folk Music Group - Maarai Kaatha Maveerar – Pasiyoor, Jaffna

Maarai Kaatha Maveerar – Pasiyoor, Jaffna

This particular Koothu has a rich history dating back 200 years. The Koothu depicts the story of Joseph Vaz the Catholic missionary who travelled from Goa to Sri Lanka. The story begins with his arrival in Jaffna and his trials and tribulations while on mission in the country. This Koothu has been written, performed and brought to life by Baladas from Pasiyoor. Baladas has grown up with this particular religious art form and considers it a part of his life mission to ensure its continuation throughout the generations.The Catholic Koothu is composed by charming Ragas, and appropriate dances. The performances were well appreciated by the spectators whenever it was performed.

Monday, February 25, 2013

INDIA - Nirtyda Nadadan

NORWAY - Hat-trick and fiddle

NORWAY

Hat-trick and fiddle

Picture a cockfight without bloodshed. Halling is a highly competitive music and dance tradition, where men are like roosters, trying to impress women with their skills. Meet two up-and-coming performers offering a small taste of the Norwegian folk tradition.

The halling dance is the most ancient documented dance of North Europe, and it´s roots go back to 2500 years old cave paintings. It is a show-off dance involving displays of prowess and acrobatics. The drama of the performance is build up by a fiddler who has to give the dancers enough impetus to perform the various challenging moves that are involved in the dance: “The neck jump”, “going over the head” - and especially the “throw”. The moves are seen as a test of strength, one of the characteristic tricks involves kicking down a hat that is held about 230 to 280 cm above the floor. The most famous move from the halling dance worldwide is probably the head spin performed by Norwegian dancers in The United States of America around 1910-1920. Later the break dance has made this move known to the whole world. Ulf-Arne Johannessen has won the national championship in traditional dance twice and has toured the world with a halling dance ensemble aiming to popularize the traditional folk dance. He is coming to the Jaffna festival to perform together with fiddle player Erlend Viken, who has won several prestigious national folk music competitions.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Morning Programmes: 00:09am-12:00pm

Day 1 (Friday - March 01, 2013)

Folk Stage

09.00 am – 09.45 am : Pappiravahan Koothu (Chulipuram)

09.45 am – 10.30 am : Pakkeer Baith (Ampara)

10.30 am – 11.15 am : Ritual Songs of Batticaloa

11.15 am – 12.00 pm : Parai Mela Koothu (Mulliyawalai)

Contemporary Stage

09.00 am – 09.45 am : Naadro

09.45 am – 10.30 am : Harmonia Do Brasil (Brazil)

10.30 am – 11.15 am : Sapthami

11.15 am – 12.00 pm : Collaborative Music Performance;

Chirkutt (Bangladesh) & Casa Murilo (Norway)

Classical Stage

09.00 am – 09.45 am : Traditions Meet

09.45 am – 10.30 am : Natharanjanee

10.30 am – 11.15 am : Phoolan Devi Opera

11.15 am – 12.00 pm : Colombo Brass Ensemble

Children Stage

09.00 am – 09.30 am : Ad libitum

09.30 am – 10.00 am : Shivananda Vidyalayam (Batticaloa)

10.00 am – 10.30 am : Chundikuli Girls' College and St John's College (Jaffna)

10.30 am – 11.00 am : Ananda College (Colombo)

11.00 am – 11.30 am : Hat Trick & Fiddle (Norway)

11.30 am – 12.00 pm : Shalini and Kids

Day 2 (Saturday - March 02, 2013)

Folk Stage

09.00 am – 09.45 am : Marai Kaatha Maaveerar (Pasiyoor)

09.45 am – 10.30 am : Ila Arun Troupe (India)

10.30 am – 11.15 am : Vezhalam Padutha Veerankani (Mulliyawalai)

11.15 am – 12.00 pm : Sanni Yakuma (Benthara)

Contemporary Stage

09.00 am – 09.45 am : Ranwala Brigade

09.45 am – 10.30 am : The Musicmatters Collective

10.30 am – 11.15 am : Ravibandu Vidyapathi Drum Ensemble

11.15 am – 12.00 pm : Sabreen Association (Palestine)

Classical Stage

09.00 am – 09.45 am : Mangala Isai (Thavil, Nadaswaram)

09.45 am – 10.30 am : Oriental Music Orchestra

10.30 am – 11.15 am : Nirtya Nandan (Bangladesh)

11.15 am – 12.00 pm : Hat Trick & Fiddle (Norway)

Children Stage

09.00 am – 09.30 am : Jaffna Hindu Ladies College

09.30 am – 10.00 am : Muslim Maha Vidyalaya (Vavuniya)

10.00 am – 10.30 am : Nattakooththu (Mannar)

10.30 am – 11.00 am : The Musicmatters Kids (Colombo)

11.00 am – 11.30 am : Shakthika on Keyboard

11.30 am – 12.00 pm : Ila Arun Troupe (India)

INDIA Ila Arun’s Musical Sandstorm

INDIA

Ila Arun’s Musical Sandstorm

ILA ARUN a leading folk and Bollywood singer has been working with Rajasthani folk artists for last 30 years and has brought folk music and folk dance of Rajsthan in the mainstream of Indian Music Scene and made it popular all around the world.

The group consist of folk singers folk dancers and musicians playing rare folk instruments, like Sindhi Sarangi, Kamaycha, Khadtaal, Sarangi, double flute, Morchang, Been, Satara and many more. Dancers like Kalbelias (snake charmers) Bhat’s (Puppeteers), Bhopa and Bhopi (Pad singers) who narrates the story in musical form of Rajasthan., Bhavai and Sansi Kanjars, Tera taali, Ghoomars etc., …

Folk music reflects the traditions and life style of a particular community at a particular time as its roots lie deep in day to day life. Ila Arun supported by these group of musicians, singers and dancers from different walks of life, have been innovating and experimenting with these various forms of folk music, folk singing and dance which gives us the feel of moods and seasons, fairs and festivals, the sensuousness of the monsoon, the romance of the desert, the beauty and the elegance of the palace life, the rusticity of the gypsy, and the gay abandon of youth. These experiments make folk music relevant to the young and modern audiences of today. The outstanding result of this innovation is ‘Rain and the Rowdy Rajas’ a Fusion of Folk and Jazz music.

Jaffna Music Festival

BRAZILHarmonia Do Brazil

BRAZIL

Harmonia Do Brazil

A musical group composed by four Brazilians who have been performing together for the last 14 years throughout the main cities in Brazil. They, together with a dynamic vocalist will play mNanda Garcia will perform together with the Brazilian group Harmonia Do Brasill. Nanda is a young singer who has had a musical career of over 10 years. She started as a member of the vocal group Nikit Kids, after which she joined the crew of The Walt Disney Company musical. Recently she was a finalist in the Brazilian TV show ‘Idols’. Besides that, Nanda has participated in several Brazilian concerts and music DVDs.iscellaneous Brazilian music such as Samba, Bossanova and Choro to name a few.

BANGLADESH Chirkutt Band

BANGLADESH

Chirkutt Band

With powerful lyrics, energetic and unique compositions, varied use of eastern and western instruments and musical scales, elements of fusion and folk music together with a very distinct local sound, Chirkutt has managed to fascinate audiences from all over Bangladesh. They will now combine their vibrant sounds with indie- rock band Casa Murilo.
They will also be joined by a dance duo who are versatile dancers in Manipuri, Bharatha Natyam and Oddissi. This duo are also popular Bengali folk dancers.

JMF 2013 artists and mainstage programme

The Jaffna Music Festival 2013 will be held in the Jaffna Municipal Grounds on Friday the 1st & Saturday the 2nd March 2013 offering an amazing opportunity to experience a gathering of both Sri Lankan and International folk, classical and contemporary music groups.
Entrance is free to all events.
There will be simultaneous performances on four individual stages dedicated to Folk, Classical, Contemporary and Children’s musical routines from 09.00am –12.00pm on Friday and Saturday. The morning programme will allow festival goers to have a personally engaging experience through interactive performances. On both days this will be followed by a main stage performance from 5.00pm daily with the following line up:

NORWAY - Casa Murilo

Norway

CASA MURILO

Many years ago, two Englishmen met two Norwegian girls in Brazil. They lived together with a man called Murilo and had many adventures. Sometime later they left Murilo behind and moved to Norway, where the Englishmen started a band and named it after him as a dedication. The powerhouse called

CASA MURILO quickly built something of a reputation on the Oslo underground for their wild, energetic live show. They are playing all over the country and a lot of nice things are said about them, including being described as "Norway's Best Band" by the renown Plan B Magazine. Their second album “The Rise And Fall” was released in 2012 and got numerous good reviews.

The Casa Murilo crew originally consists of six members. In Jaffna, you will meet the two founders of the band, Chris Winfield and Dan Hesketh. Chris and Dan will give duo concerts during JMF, but also perform at the main stage with the Bangladeshi band Chirkutt, whom they met during the 2012 Casa Murilo Asia Tour. The two bands quickly became musical friends and gave a large joint outdoor concert in Dhaka. In Jaffna, to everyone’s delight, they will meet again. What do you get when you mix a indierock band from Norway and a folk fusion band from Bangladesh? A very good time!