FESTIVAL 2011

A stunning new festival of mindblowing performances and ground-breaking new creations

25 - 30 July LIVERPOOL

Welcome to Liverpool’s Newest Arts Festivals! What do we look for in a music festival? To be entertained? To be moved? To be dazzled with skills we cannot comprehend?

In Music India 2011, we can give you all of that, in a unique festival of music that brings together a host of international stars performing in the first ever festival of its kind in Liverpool.

Indian music is a global music genre, enjoyed by millions worldwide. It mirrors the rich and varied tapestry of the Indian sub-continent itself, with melodies, compositions and playing styles as varied as the cultures of the land. But it is not just enjoyed on the subcontinent. It has a language and appeal that is universal, touching your emotions and senses - and this means you need no previous experience or knowledge of the musical styles.

The Music India FestivalI includes some of the top performers of North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Carnatic) Classical music, performing “out of their zone” with unique new collaborations. Look out, for instance, for the coming together of Bombay Jayashri (Vocals) and Gaurav Mazumdar (Sitar) on Friday 29th July. The festival starts with an amazing collaboration of Guitarist Wolfgang Netzer, with Sarod maestro Ranajit Sengupta in “Coral of Life”, and during the week you will hear Piano, Violin, Sitar, Flute and a stellar team of percussionists. Our week includes innovative new fusions, maestro ensembles and a unique new festival hub in the foyer, where you can chat, browse our exhibition of resources and enjoy food from Festival sponsors Mayur Restaurant.

Indian music is at times scintillating and serene, it can be soulful and meditative, and at the same time rock your world! Music India will give you a feast for your senses, with a series of incomparable concerts, in a beautiful new musical venue in Liverpool. Leave your troubles behind, enjoy the beautiful gardens and venue of our hosts Liverpool Hope University, and share the Indian Summer Festivals with Milapfest!

Enjoy!

The Milapfest Team

Produced by

Delicious Indian food will be available pre-performance every evening from Indian restaurant Mayur.

Music India at-a-glance Monday 25 July | 7pm Coral of Life

Ranajit Sengupta / Wolfgang Netzer / Shirin Sengupta / Soumen Sarkar

Tuesday 26 July | 7pm Stellar EvolutionFirst Half: Roopa Panesar / Girishh Gopalakrishnan / Hiren Chate Second Half: Nandini Muthuswamy / Bangalore Prathap

Wednesday 27 July | 7pm Keys and Conversations: A Journey through the music of IndiaAnil Srinivasan and Guests

Thursday 28 July | 7pm Fusion DreamsDr Jyotsna Srikanth

Friday 29 July | 7pm MeetingsGaurav Mazumdar / Bombay Jayashri / Kousic Sen / Bangalore Prathap

Saturday 30 July | 7pm Music for the MInd & Soul:Flute Maestro Shashank + FriendsShashank / Kousic Sen / Bangalore Prathap / Satish Kumar

Saturday 30 July | 7pm Festival Finale: A confluence of ensembles Starring Samyo Too / Tarang / Percussion Ensemble / Maestros Ensemble

Events subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, up-to-date event listing at www.milapfest.com

ParticipateDEMYSTIFYING INDIAN MUSIC: Monday 25th July - Friday 29th July | The Cornerstone Theatre | 5.30pmJoin us early each evening before the concert to enjoy an inspiring look into how each of these musicians make their music! No experience necessary.

OPEN WORKSHOP: Saturday 30th July | The Capstone Building | 4pmBring your instrument along, or your singing voice, to enjoy an insight into indian music, plus try out melodies and improvisation with the Music India gurus! Please register in advance for these workshops by calling Milapfest on 0151 291 3949 or email education@milapfest.com

Music India HUBHead over the the Music India HUB before each show to collect you tickets, browse through a unique selection of music and dvds, view an exhibition and chat to fellow Indian arts lovers - all while snacking on delicious Indian food and drinks!

Music India Festival & HUB venue The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool Hope University, 17 Shaw Street, L3 8QBTickets £5 per performance, festival pass available at 15% discount (Total cost: £25.50)Box Office 0151 709 3789 Book Online www.milapfest.comFor more information call 0151 291 2091

Monday 25 July | 7pmCoral of Life Ranajit Sengupta / Wolfgang NetzerShirin Sengupta / Soumen Sarkar

The music of Ranajit Sengupta’s Sarod, and the Oud & Guitar of Wolfgang Netzer combine with Shirin Sengupta on vocals to create a kaleidoscope of different cultures. Punctuated by the tabla of Soumen Sarkar, this ensemble creates a tender, lively and complex sound with East and West in harmony. Ranajit Sengupta is a regular collaborator with musicians from the West, and combines his dazzling Sarod skills with sensitive compositions, combining on this occassion with guitar mastro Netzer, from Munich, Gemany.

“...the three musicians scaled the heights with virtuosic soundscapes and the audience rocked with bliss... a beautiful evening ... a glimpse of the soul of India”. - Claudia Koestler, Germany

Wednesday 27 July | 7pmKeys and Conversations: A Journey through the music of India Anil Srinivasan (Piano) and Guests

The piano has played a very unique role in bringing in the concept of harmony to Indian music. Weaving together stories and explanations of different facets of Indian music, pianist Anil Srinivasan brings musicians together to bring colour to a large canvas, traversing the classical (South Indian style), contemporary, film and Indian music-inspired world music formats.

As an illustrated talk-concert concept, the event will be interactive and innovative experience for audiences of any background.

Stellar Evolution Roopa Panesar (Sitar) Girishh Gopalakrishnan (Voice + Electronics)Hiren Chate (Tabla + Percussion)

Stellar Evolution is a performance of new music created especially for Music India, by three outstanding young artists. Making reference to the scientific nature of musical creation, or the production of sound out of nothingness, it combines very traditional Indian classical music, with equally traditional electronic sounds, to create a brand new composed Indian musical experience. With beautiful soundscapes, dazzling Sitar and Percussion, interlaced with vocals and sampled sounds, this concert is both soulful and serene, while energizing and uplifting.

Nandini + Prathap Nandini Muthuswamy (Violin)Bangalore Prathap (Ghatam)

Nandini Muthuswamy is a virtuoso violinist, whose skills were honed under some of India’s greatest gurus, including Sri Semangudi Srinivasa Iyer and her uncles, Violin Meastros L Shankar and L Subramaniam. Her background has made her into one of the most talented violinists around, with a string of festival appearances to her name, which she combines with a strong academic interest in Carnatic Music

Tuesday 26th July | 7pm — DOUBLE BILL

Thursday 28 July | 7pm Interlaced Dr Jyotsna SrikanthShadrach Solomon (Keyboard)Chris Haigh (Jazz Violin)R Prathap (Ghatam) Bernard Schimpelsberger (Drums) Jamie Tosh (Bass Guitar)

A contemporary Indian music concert which explores the bridges between Indian classical music and a variety of contemporary musical flavours including jazz, Irish folk, electronica, blues, pop and western classical music. Jyotsna on lead violin will be joined by guest artist Chris Haigh on Jazz/Folk fiddle, Shadrach Solomon on keyboards, Taalis on drums, Jamie Tosh on Bass guitar and Bangalore R Prathap on Indian Percussion.

Friday 29 July | 7pm Meetings Gaurav Mazumdar / Bombay Jayashri / Kousic Sen / Bangalore Prathap / Patri Satish Kumar

Bombay Jayashri is one of the most celebrated vocalists of India, with an incredible track record of performances, and a beautiful voice loved all over the world. Her Carnatic (South Indian) repertoire of vocals is fused in this new concert performance with Sitar Maestro Gaurav Mazumdar, who is a popular sitarist from Ravi Shankar’s tradition, and a master performer, teacher and conductor. This unique collaboration features vocals, sitar, Tabla by master percussionist Kousic Sen, and Ghatam by the brilliant Bangalore Prathap.

Bombay Jayashri— “A beautiful blend of melody and inventiveness mounted on an abiding sense of tradition” - Indian Express

Saturday 30 July | 1pm Music for the MInd & Soul Flute Maestro Shashank + FriendsShashank / Kousic / Prathap /Patri Satish Kumar

Hailed as a musical genius ever since he burst on to the music scene as a child prodigy, Shashank has blazed a trail with a new style of his own in the South Indian Bamboo flute. With intricate rhythm patterns, dazzling melodies and some unbelievable innovations, he will perform both composed repertoire and improvisation, with a stellar percussion team in support, including Maestro Kousic Sen, Ghatam artist Bangalore Prathap and Mridangist Patri Satish Kumar.

Sheer quality, amazing spontaneity- The Hindu

Saturday 30 July | 7pm Festival Finale: A confluence of ensembles StarringSamyo Too / Tarang / Percussion Ensemble / Maestros Ensemble

The festival final is a celebration of Indian Ensemble music. As opposed to the improvised, small group performances that typify Indian Classical Music, the Finale is a series of four mini performances by Samyo Too, an ensemble of the National Indian Music Youth Orchestra, Tarang, the Indian Classical Music ensemble, The Milapfest percussion ensemble, and a specially created, improvised performance by our festival professionals.

“A ‘turning point’ in Indian Classical music”. - Confluence

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The Capstone Theatre Since opening its doors in March 2010, The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool’s newest innovative Music and Performing Arts venue, has staged concerts and performances by some of Britain’s leading national and international musicians and artists (Courtney Pine, Kathryn Tickell, Martin Simpson, Kathryn Williams, Chilly Gonzales) alongside concerts by some of the best local musicians, Spoken Word events (Roger McGough), Radio broadcasts (BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions?), Plays, Dance performances and Film screenings.

The Theatre’s programme for Autumn-Spring 2011/12 includes concerts by (amongst others) Gwilym Simcock Trio, Tommy Smith’s KARMA, Portico Quartet, Harold Budd, Roger Eno, Oysterband and June Tabor, Blazin Fiddles, Kathryn Tickell, The Speech Project, Ian MacNabb (Icicle Works), Zoe Rahman Quartet and Terry Seabrooke’s Milestones (Miles Davis) project.

The Capstone is part of Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus that comprises a vibrant Music department with strong links to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO). The department also organises the yearly Cornerstone Festival (November–December) and boasts links with RLPO’s Ensemble 10:10 and with Hope Visiting Professor and internationally renowned concert pianist Joanna MacGregor.

The Campus also plays host to Milapfest, an organiser of South Asian Music and Dance performances presented nationally in venues such as Royal Festival Hall, London and The Lowry, Manchester. Alongside regular Music and Dance performances at The Capstone, Milapfest organise a renowned series of free monthly concerts of Indian Music called Music for the Mind and Soul on the final Saturday afternoon (1pm) of every month.

Set in the grounds of a Civic Trust Award-winning Renaissance Garden, Angel Field, the Capstone is one of six All-Steinway Schools in the UK. The Theatre is an acoustically excellent space housing a Steinway D Grand Piano, probably the best piano in the world. It is located on Shaw Street, opposite the Collegiate, within walking distance of Liverpool City Centre, and with strong public transport links to the centre and suburbs and with on-site venue car-parking.

For more information about the Capstone Theatre’s programme of events, visit our web site or contact the Capstone Theatre directly at creative@hope.ac.uk or on 0151 291 3578.

www.thecapstonetheatre.com

w w w . m u s i c b e y o n d m a i n s t r e a m . c o m

anoushka shankarTRAVELLER 2011 TOUR

november

20 BASINGSTOKE The Anvil22 EDINBURGH Usher Hall23 COVENTRY Warwick Arts Centre 24 NORTHAMPTON Royal & Derngate26 LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Hall27 MANCHESTER Bridgewater Hall28 GATESHEAD The Sage Gateshead

december

02 BRISTOL Colston Hall05 LONDON Southbank Centre

‘Shaken by the Shankar! Absolutely fantastic, what a testament to

her father . . . brilliant, too bad it had to finish’

Jazz Cafe, London

Thursday 18th August | 7:30pm — DOUBLE BILL

Karunakaran Nair Kathakali

Karunakaran Nair presents a form of Indian dance very rarely seen in the UK - Kathakali. Kathakali is perhaps one of the most difficult forms of dance to master as it relies heavily on the use of facial expressions, particularly the eyes. Kathakli is admired for it’s elaborate costume and makeup and for it’s detailed character sketches and storyboard. Karunkaran is respected as only one of a handful of dancers worldwide who are working hard to keep this rich and colourful dance tradition of Kerala alive outside of India.

Odissi Collective Odissi

The Odissi Collective are a group of young dancers, all trained outside of India, who together present Odissi in creative new ways presenting a fresh approach to this beautiful dance form. They are torchbearers forging the way for the future of Odissi in the UK and are a true delight to watch.

Friday 19th August | 7:30pm — DOUBLE BILL

Priyadarsini Govind Bharatanatyam

Priyadarsini Govind is an extremely talented dancer, specializing in abhinaya (facial expression), giving her an amazing ability to share stories of Indian mythology as though they were reality. An absolute delight to watch, Priyadarsini is graceful, powerful, beautiful and breathtaking all at the same time, with her abhinaya prowess being in a class of its own.

“Her energy irradiates the audience, virtually galvanizing everyone present with the awesome beauty of such reach and control.” - Pulse Magazine, London

Sonia Sabri Kathak

Sonia Sabri is a brilliant perfomer, having carved a uinque niche for herself within the world of contemporary and classical dance in the UK. Her productions represenent a unique appreciation of Indian and British culture with a ‘fresh’ and ‘funky’ approach to Kathak. She mesmerizes and enthrals audiences the world over with her swift and graceful movements. She is the Artistic Director of the award winning Sonia Sabri Company.

“Cool, sharp brilliance...one of the greatest talents of contemporary Indian dance”-Ballet Tanz

Tuesday 16th August | 7:30pm — DOUBLE BILL

Leela SamsonBharatanatyam

Leela Samson is among India’s most dynamic and technically brilliant dancers, currently holding two prestigious posts as Director of Kalakshetra (India’s top dance institute) and Chairperson of India’s arts and culture body - the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Over years of independent work, her dance has metamorphosed from the best of her Kalakshetra alma mater into an exquisite personal expression.

Vijayalakshmi Mohiniyattam

Belonging to the current generation of Mohiniyattam dancers, Vijayalakshmi is acknowledged as one of the most eminent exponents of this dance form today. She has carved a distinct niche for herself and has played a significant role in the revival and rejuvenation of this beautiful Indian classical dance form.

Wednesday 17th August | 7:30pm — DOUBLE BILL

Shijith Nambir & Parvathy Menon Bharatanatyam

Shijith Nambiar & Parvathy Menon, partners in dance as well as in life, are amongst the most prominent of dancers in the discipline of Bharatanatyam. Shijith, an ex-faculty member of “Kalakshetra”, Chennai, is a brilliant Bharatanatyam performer with unerring grasp of rhythmic intricacies, while Parvathy Menon is the epitome of grace, strength and beauty.

“The Performance was of crystal clarity, cunningly portrayed in Bharatanatyam vocabulary.” - South Asian Outlook, Toronto

Irina Komissarova Odissi

Irina Komissarova is a disciple of Smt. Sujatha Mohapatra. Irina began her learning Odissi 8 years ago in Moscow, Russia. At present, she is one of the leading soloists among the members of “Odissi Jivan Nritya” dance studio. Irina has participated in various classical dance productions in both in Russia and India, and in Moscow she teaches Odissi dance to junior students.

Sujata MohapatraOdissi

One of India’s leading soloists , Sujata is a highly accliamed and versatile Odissi dancer from Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. Sujata has a compelling and arresting stage presence, with an exhilarating combination of intensity and spontaneity. Her lyrical movements perfectly epitomize the grace and technical perfection of the Kelucharan Mohapatra gharana and her depth of expression is evocative and moving.

“Onstage, she is simply extraordinary; arguably, the best Odissi danseuse of the world today.” - Shyamhari Chakra, The Hindu

Sunday 14th August | 7:30pm — DOUBLE BILL

Ananda Shankar Jayant Kuchipudi

Ananda Shankar Jayant is uniquely trained in two forms of classical Indian dance, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. She is an inspirational performer and choreographer as she uses dance to touch upon fundamental issues such as gender equality and has recently appeared on TED talks in which she spoke about the importance of art as a healer. She is respected the world over for her intense and emotionally charged performances, with an ability to bring classical and contemporary sensibilities together.

Maulik Shah & Ishira Parikh Kathak

At the forefront of a new generation of Kathak Dancers, Maulik Shah and Ishira Parikh are disciples of the renowned Kathak teacher and choreographer Kumudini Lakhia. They have absorbed the sense of perfection and controlled exuberance of their guru and grown into accomplished and creative soloists in their own right.

“....both these dancers brought a sparkle to dance, perfection to their body language and ease of interpretation that made it all memorable.” - Mid Day

Monday 15th August | 7:30pm — DOUBLE BILL

Arianna Balabbio Bharatanatyam

Winner of the Milapfest Kalakshetra scholarship in 2009, Arianna Balabbio has dedicated the past one year to an in-depth study of Bharatanatyam at Kalakshetra - India’s famed dance institute. She has developed into a fine young dancer and, as an Italian, is a shining example of how art is a binding force bringing cultures together.

Welcome to Liverpool’s Newest Arts Festivals!Imagine a performance with a rich musical score, gorgeous costumes, high drama, emotion and visual energy...imagine it rich with lyrics, legendary stories and moving themes...and now imagine performances by the world’s greatest stars of Indian dance!

There are nine major styles of Indian Classical Dance and each of them come with their own musical genre, culture and history. In Dance India 2011, you have the opportunity to witness some of the world’s greatest exponents of Indian Dance, in the most popular styles - Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, but also showcases of dance styles very rarely seen in Europe - Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, both of which feature in the festival for the very first time.

The Capstone is the newest of Liverpool’s venues in a bustling arts scene, and a perfect venue for Indian dance. Spend some time before and after the performances enjoying the gardens and having a chat! Look out for the festival hub with information and dance resources for sale, and of course, delicious food on sale by Mayur Restaurant before each performance.

During the festival, you will see dazzling costumes, hear gorgeous music and poetry, and have the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful tales from Indian folklore end literature, acted out by our dance artists from all corners of India. It’s an unprecedented festival, and we’re proud to bring it to Liverpool!

The Milapfest Team

Produced by

Delicious Indian food will be available pre-performance every evening from Indian restaurant Mayur.

Dance India at-a-glance

Sunday 14 August | 7.30pm Sujata Mohapatra & Ananda Shankar Jayant

Monday 15 August | 7.30pm Maulik Shah - Ishira Parikh & Arianna Ballabio

Tuesday 16 August | 7.30pm Vijaya Lakshmi & Leela Samson

Wednesday 17 August | 7.30pm Shijith Nambiar - Parvathy Menon & Sanjukta Sinha

Thursday 18 August | 7.30pm Karunakaran Nair & Odissi Dance Collective

Friday 19 August | 7.30pm Priyadarsini Govind & Sonia Sabri

Saturday 20 August | 7.30pm Percussion ensemble

Events subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, up-to-date event listing at www.milapfest.com

Dance India HUBHead over the the Dance India HUB before each show to collect you tickets, browse through a unique selection of music and dvds, view an exhibition and chat to fellow Indian arts lovers - all while snacking on delicious Indian food and drinks!

Dance India Festival & HUB venue The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool Hope University, 17 Shaw Street, L3 8QB

Tickets £5 per performance, festival pass available at 15% discount (Total cost: £25.50)Box Office 0151 709 3789 Book Online www.milapfest.comFor more information call 0151 291 2091

A dazzling new festival of breathtaking, beautiful and colourful dances of India

14 -19 AugustLIVERPOOLFESTIVAL 2011