Home » Jazz News » Performance / Tour
Asia Society Presents World Premiere of Kinsmen/Svajanam May 5, 6, 8 at 8:00PM
April 28, 2005
To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected]
Asia Society 725 Park Avenue New York, NY 10021-5088 Phone 212.288.6400 Fax 212.517.8315 www.asiasociety.org
Asia Society Presents World Premiere of Kinsmen/Svajanam with Saxaphonists Kadri Gopalnath and Rudresh Mahanthappa
Thursday, Friday, Sunday, May 5, 6, 8 at 8:00PM
At Asia Society and Museum 725 Park Avenue at 70th Street, NYC
Two masters of the alto saxophone, one a living legend of South Indian Carnatic music and the other a fiercely innovative Indian American jazz musician, present a world premiere performance suite commissioned by the Asia Society. The cross-cultural, intergenerational collaborative work will be performed Thursday, Friday, Sunday, May 5, 6, 8 at 8:00 PM.
A recognized innovator, Kadri Gopalnath has introduced and adapted a relatively new western instrument to the traditions of Indian Carnatic music. Rudresh Mahanthappa fuses a myriad of contemporary and traditional influences, drawing on his Indian ancestry and using American jazz as his foundation, into his highly improvisational work. The distinction between their respective influences, training and idiom is both complicated and enhanced by their shared South Indian heritage as well as their common vehicle of the alto saxophone. The two are joined by their co-led Dakshina Ensemble including Kanya Kumari (violin), Rez Abbasi (guitar/sitar), Carlo de Rosa (acoustic bass), Gautam Siram (mrdangam or barrel drum) and Elliot Humberto Kavee (drums).
“This exciting work takes listeners to a new place where jazz and classical Indian music come together," says Rachel Cooper, Director of Cultural Programs and Performing Arts at Asia Society. “Their collaboration bridges differing traditions, influences, generations and cultures, taking listeners on a ground-breaking artistic journey that is timely and represents both America and India today."
Kinsmen/Svajanam is part of the Asia Society's Crossovers series which highlights important contributions by Asian and Asian American artists to contemporary music, dance and theater. The program was inaugurated in 1995, with a focus on music - specifically jazz - as an art form that transcends its ethnic origins and creates meaningful cultural experiences for people all over the world. Crossovers is an integral part of the Asia Society's efforts to promote contemporary Asian American artistic expression and debunk the notion that 'authentic' Asian art is purely traditional and belongs entirely to an idealized past.
Ticket prices for the performance are $16 for Asia Society and World Music Institute members/students/seniors and $20 for nonmembers. For tickets and information, call (212) 517-ASIA or visit www.AsiaSociety.org. Members of the press interested in the performances should contact Asia Society’s public relations department at 212.327.9271 or [email protected].
The commission is made possible by the Multi-Arts production Fund, a program of Creative Capital supported by the Rockefeller Foundation. Major support for performances at the Asia Society is provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Helen and Will Little Endowment for Performing Arts.
Asia Society is an international organization dedicated to strengthening relationships and deepening understanding among the peoples of Asia and the United States. A nonprofit, nonpartisan educational institution, the Asia Society presents a wide range of programs including major art exhibitions, performances, media programs, international conferences and lectures, and initiatives to improve elementary and secondary education about Asia. The Asia Society is headquartered in New York City, with regional centers in Washington, D.C., Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Manila, Shanghai and Melbourne, Australia. For more information, contact the Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021. 212.288.6400. (www.asiasociety.org).
# # #
ARTIST BIOS:
Kadri Gopalnath has been a true phenomenon in the world of Indian classical music. In 1975 Gopalnath went to Madras where he was tutored the saxophone by the renowned musician, T. V. Gopalakrishnan. In 1977, he gave his first concert in Madras. His fame soon spread throughout India where he has frequently been the highlight of festivals and concerts. He grew in stature as a figure of immense popularity not only in India, but throughout the world. His achievement is especially laudatory, as Gopalnath had to make certain improvisations to the conventional saxophone instrument in order to play the culturally unique Carnatic music of South India
Gopalnath has had the opportunity to participate in major festivals and presentations around the world, including the Music Halle Festival in France, the International Cervatino Festival in Mexico, the Berlin Jazz Festival, and the World Music Institute in New York. He has played with many leading jazz musicians including the saxophonist, John Handy. He was the first South Indian classical musician to be invited to perform in the BBC Promenade concert in 1994. He has also toured the USA, Europe, Australia and South East Asia extensively. He has been awarded many important titles including 'Saxophone Chakravarthy' - The Emperor of Saxophone. His performances often receive audience and critical acclaim.
Named a Rising Star of the alto saxophone by the 2003 and 2004 Downbeat International Critics Poll, Rudresh Mahanthappa is one of the most innovative young musicians in jazz today. By incorporating the culture of his Indian ancestry, Rudresh has fused myriad influences to create a truly groundbreaking artistic vision. As a performer, he leads/co-leads five groups to critical acclaim. His most recent quartet recording Mother Tongue on Pi Recordings has been named one of Top Ten Jazz CDs of 2004 by the Chicago Tribune, All About Jazz, and Jazzmatazz to name a few and also received 4 stars in DOWNBEAT. This CD reached #8 on US jazz radio charts and remained at #1 on Canadian jazz radio charts for over a month. As a performer, Mahanthappa has achieved international recognition performing regularly at jazz festivals and clubs worldwide. He has also worked as a sideman with such jazz luminaries as David Murray, Steve Coleman, Jack DeJohnette, Samir Chatterjee, Von Freeman, Tim Hagans, Fareed Haque, Vijay Iyer, Howard Levy, David Liebman, Greg Osby, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. As a composer, Rudresh has received commission grants from the Rockefeller Foundation MAP Fund, American Composers Forum, and the New York State Council on the Arts to develop new work. Mahanthappa has his Bachelors of Music Degree in jazz performance from Berklee College of Music and his Masters of Music degree in jazz composition from Chicago's DePaul University. He now teaches at The New School University. Rudresh Mahanthappa currently lives in New York where he is clearly regarded as an important and influential voice in the jazz world.
# # #
Contact: Public Relations Department 725 Park Avenue New York, NY 10021-5088 www.asiasociety.org Phone 212.327.9271 Fax 212.794.1332 E-mail [email protected] Contact: Elaine Merguerian or Jennifer Suh, (212) 327-9271
To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected]
Asia Society 725 Park Avenue New York, NY 10021-5088 Phone 212.288.6400 Fax 212.517.8315 www.asiasociety.org
Asia Society Presents World Premiere of Kinsmen/Svajanam with Saxaphonists Kadri Gopalnath and Rudresh Mahanthappa
Thursday, Friday, Sunday, May 5, 6, 8 at 8:00PM
At Asia Society and Museum 725 Park Avenue at 70th Street, NYC
Two masters of the alto saxophone, one a living legend of South Indian Carnatic music and the other a fiercely innovative Indian American jazz musician, present a world premiere performance suite commissioned by the Asia Society. The cross-cultural, intergenerational collaborative work will be performed Thursday, Friday, Sunday, May 5, 6, 8 at 8:00 PM.
A recognized innovator, Kadri Gopalnath has introduced and adapted a relatively new western instrument to the traditions of Indian Carnatic music. Rudresh Mahanthappa fuses a myriad of contemporary and traditional influences, drawing on his Indian ancestry and using American jazz as his foundation, into his highly improvisational work. The distinction between their respective influences, training and idiom is both complicated and enhanced by their shared South Indian heritage as well as their common vehicle of the alto saxophone. The two are joined by their co-led Dakshina Ensemble including Kanya Kumari (violin), Rez Abbasi (guitar/sitar), Carlo de Rosa (acoustic bass), Gautam Siram (mrdangam or barrel drum) and Elliot Humberto Kavee (drums).
“This exciting work takes listeners to a new place where jazz and classical Indian music come together," says Rachel Cooper, Director of Cultural Programs and Performing Arts at Asia Society. “Their collaboration bridges differing traditions, influences, generations and cultures, taking listeners on a ground-breaking artistic journey that is timely and represents both America and India today."
Kinsmen/Svajanam is part of the Asia Society's Crossovers series which highlights important contributions by Asian and Asian American artists to contemporary music, dance and theater. The program was inaugurated in 1995, with a focus on music - specifically jazz - as an art form that transcends its ethnic origins and creates meaningful cultural experiences for people all over the world. Crossovers is an integral part of the Asia Society's efforts to promote contemporary Asian American artistic expression and debunk the notion that 'authentic' Asian art is purely traditional and belongs entirely to an idealized past.
Ticket prices for the performance are $16 for Asia Society and World Music Institute members/students/seniors and $20 for nonmembers. For tickets and information, call (212) 517-ASIA or visit www.AsiaSociety.org. Members of the press interested in the performances should contact Asia Society’s public relations department at 212.327.9271 or [email protected].
The commission is made possible by the Multi-Arts production Fund, a program of Creative Capital supported by the Rockefeller Foundation. Major support for performances at the Asia Society is provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Helen and Will Little Endowment for Performing Arts.
Asia Society is an international organization dedicated to strengthening relationships and deepening understanding among the peoples of Asia and the United States. A nonprofit, nonpartisan educational institution, the Asia Society presents a wide range of programs including major art exhibitions, performances, media programs, international conferences and lectures, and initiatives to improve elementary and secondary education about Asia. The Asia Society is headquartered in New York City, with regional centers in Washington, D.C., Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Manila, Shanghai and Melbourne, Australia. For more information, contact the Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021. 212.288.6400. (www.asiasociety.org).
# # #
ARTIST BIOS:
Kadri Gopalnath has been a true phenomenon in the world of Indian classical music. In 1975 Gopalnath went to Madras where he was tutored the saxophone by the renowned musician, T. V. Gopalakrishnan. In 1977, he gave his first concert in Madras. His fame soon spread throughout India where he has frequently been the highlight of festivals and concerts. He grew in stature as a figure of immense popularity not only in India, but throughout the world. His achievement is especially laudatory, as Gopalnath had to make certain improvisations to the conventional saxophone instrument in order to play the culturally unique Carnatic music of South India
Gopalnath has had the opportunity to participate in major festivals and presentations around the world, including the Music Halle Festival in France, the International Cervatino Festival in Mexico, the Berlin Jazz Festival, and the World Music Institute in New York. He has played with many leading jazz musicians including the saxophonist, John Handy. He was the first South Indian classical musician to be invited to perform in the BBC Promenade concert in 1994. He has also toured the USA, Europe, Australia and South East Asia extensively. He has been awarded many important titles including 'Saxophone Chakravarthy' - The Emperor of Saxophone. His performances often receive audience and critical acclaim.
Named a Rising Star of the alto saxophone by the 2003 and 2004 Downbeat International Critics Poll, Rudresh Mahanthappa is one of the most innovative young musicians in jazz today. By incorporating the culture of his Indian ancestry, Rudresh has fused myriad influences to create a truly groundbreaking artistic vision. As a performer, he leads/co-leads five groups to critical acclaim. His most recent quartet recording Mother Tongue on Pi Recordings has been named one of Top Ten Jazz CDs of 2004 by the Chicago Tribune, All About Jazz, and Jazzmatazz to name a few and also received 4 stars in DOWNBEAT. This CD reached #8 on US jazz radio charts and remained at #1 on Canadian jazz radio charts for over a month. As a performer, Mahanthappa has achieved international recognition performing regularly at jazz festivals and clubs worldwide. He has also worked as a sideman with such jazz luminaries as David Murray, Steve Coleman, Jack DeJohnette, Samir Chatterjee, Von Freeman, Tim Hagans, Fareed Haque, Vijay Iyer, Howard Levy, David Liebman, Greg Osby, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. As a composer, Rudresh has received commission grants from the Rockefeller Foundation MAP Fund, American Composers Forum, and the New York State Council on the Arts to develop new work. Mahanthappa has his Bachelors of Music Degree in jazz performance from Berklee College of Music and his Masters of Music degree in jazz composition from Chicago's DePaul University. He now teaches at The New School University. Rudresh Mahanthappa currently lives in New York where he is clearly regarded as an important and influential voice in the jazz world.
# # #
Contact: Public Relations Department 725 Park Avenue New York, NY 10021-5088 www.asiasociety.org Phone 212.327.9271 Fax 212.794.1332 E-mail [email protected] Contact: Elaine Merguerian or Jennifer Suh, (212) 327-9271
For more information contact All About Jazz.
