Rudresh Mahanthappa
Saturday, April 6, 2013 8 p.m.
Few musicians share the ability of saxophonist/composer Rudresh Mahanthappa to embody the expansive possibilities of his music with his culture. Time and again, Mahanthappa has eloquently displayed the capacity to absorb numerous styles and genres of music, combine them with the language of modern jazz, and emerge with a new form still recognizably jazz. What has materialized is a sound that hybridizes progressive jazz and South Indian classical music in a fluid and forward-looking form that reflects Mahanthappa’s own experience growing up as a second-generation Indian-American. His latest quartet, Gamak, featuring guitarist David “Fuze” Fiuczynski, bassist Francois Moutin, and drummer Dan Weiss, will issue its first release in January 2013. Mahanthappa continues to partner with Pakistani-American guitarist Rez Abbasi and innovative percussionist Dan Weiss in the Indo-Pak Coalition. Despite his vast variety of influences, Mahanthappa’s one constant is the voice that the New York Times has hailed as possessing “a roving intellect and a bladelike articulation.”
Nrityagram
Saturday, April 13, 2013, 8 p.m.
The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble is regarded worldwide as one of the foremost dance companies of India. With exceptional synchronicity, compelling physicality, and emotional honesty, the ensemble has earned national and international acclaim for its ability to redefine both dance and theater, to create and communicate with powerful imagery and captivating movement. At Nrityagram village, dance is a way of life. Following an impossible dream, the founder, Protima Gauri — an exquisite Odissi dancer herself — converted 10 acres of farmland into an ideal setting for the study, practice, and teaching of classical dance. Reminiscent of ancient ashrams where gurus imparted not only technique but also a philosophy of being, it is a creative space where dancers, musicians, and choreographers live together, sharing their skills and developing their art. The dancers study yoga, meditation, and the martial arts as well as Sanskrit, mythology, and literature. Knowledge passed from guru to disciple ensures the continuity of the classical arts. This project is a collaboration with SRUTI Indian Dance and Music Society.
Delaware Valley Opera
Saturday, April 20, 2013, 8 p.m.
Originally incorporated as the Delaware Valley Lyric Opera Guild, the company was started in 1979. The intention of its founders was to offer a stepping stone for singers, providing training and education through exposure to all facets of operatic production, and performance opportunities in a variety of operas. The primary focus of the company is its Summer Festival — three operatic productions in June, July, and August. During its 25 years of existence, the company has performed over 110 performances and presented more than 55 operas.
