http://http://www.amc.org.uk/tours/index.htm Details of the AMC programme for 2006 http://www.amc.org.uk/tours/index.htm#may In Piu Sarkhel, we have a young lady who has learnt from her father Sri Kamal Bannerjee and has been totally inspired by one of the greatest singers of our generation Ustad Amir Khan who stayed at their home in Kolkata on many occassions. She has therefore imbibed the AMIR KHANI GAYAKI - style, which was characterized by a superb sense of ease and pace from meditative to the highly virtuosic and she sings his compositions. Blessed with a superb voice, with a fantastic technique, Piu is also one of those rare artists who is able to articulate in English and can talk about her music as well as perform it with equal ease. Purnima is a performer “par excellence” of traditional THUMRI and other forms of light classical music typically associated with the ancient cultural centre of VARANASI. She trained under the renowned Pt Mahadev Mishra from whom she acquired the art of singing thumri, dadra, kajri, chati, hori and tappa. Purnima also trained in classical music with Pt A Kanan in Kolkata and she eventually became a student of the great Smt.Girija Devi. Purnima is technically superb, poetic, charming and soulful and the epitome of the PURAB ANG. Both singers exude integrity, authenticity and the best of traditional Indian music. http://www.amc.org.uk/tours/index.htm#june An exciting collaboration between the Asian Music Circuit and the Society for the Promotion of New Music ( SPNM ) will create a new programme which brings together western and Japanese instruments. The ensemble will include leading contemporary and traditional musicians from the UK and Japan on cello, clarinet, harp, koto, oboe, oboe d'amore, shakuhachi, sho, and viola. A special selection of composers will work closely with the musicians to create new pieces that incorporate elements of traditional Japanese and contemporary western music. http://www.amc.org.uk/tours/index.htm#may_july Enter a magical and enthralling world of Sundanese legend (West Java) brought to life through the masterful puppetry and music of West Java 's leading Wayang Golek troupe. Pak Asep Sunandar Sunarya is a captivating storyteller, skilfully manipulating his elaborately carved and decorated puppets through complex martial arts movements and the delicate and subtle expressions of traditional dance. Pak Asep is particularly loved for his humour, using trick mechanisms in the puppets and hilarious references to every day life to entertain audiences of all ages. The accompanying gamelan music is lively and varied, characterized by dynamic dance drumming contrasting with music of incredible subtlety and beauty. http://www.amc.org.uk/tours/index.htm#july_august Award winning, master musician Trilok Gurtu presents a ground-breaking project tracing his musical influences back to his family roots in North Indian classical music. Trilok Gurtu was born into a highly musical family in Mumbai , India where his grandfather was a noted sitar player and his mother Shobha Gurtu, a classical singing star and constant influence. Trilok has since made a name as a pioneering percussionist and composer, fusing sounds from East and West. In this new project Trilok is joined by special guests including the inimitable North Indian classical vocalists Pandits Rajan and Sajan Misra. Trilok Gurtu: “What made his playing so fascinating was its constant aura of surprise” LA Times http://www.amc.org.uk/tours/index.htm#july_august Fresh from the colourful deserts of Western Rajasthan, traditional folk musicians perform vocal compositions of the great Sufi poets (such as Buleshar and Shah Latif) accompanied on the beautiful sarangi and kamenche (bowed stringed instruments), a variety of vibrant percussion and also by stunning kalbelia dancers. Rajasthan, the “land of rulers”, is considered one of the most romantic Indian states, and is also the home to some of the sub-continent's most beautiful music. Alongside the magical palaces of these princely rulers there developed a rich village tradition, with folk musicians performing for themselves, and also for their patrons, on all occasions. Their songs told of love and war, of longing and separation (such as Laila/Majnun & Heera Ranja), of victory and in praise of God, and of social issues such as the value of their animals (especially camels) to their way of life. http://www.amc.org.uk/tours/index.htm#summer_school 'Sounds of Asia 2006' is AMC's 9th annual summer school and offers the chance to learn directly from great masters of Indian, Chinese and Japanese music at the Royal Academy of Music, London . The summer school includes practical classes with your chosen teacher, supporting ensemble and rhythm classes, optional yoga and tai chi classes, as well as seminars and concerts which are open to the public. http://www.amc.org.uk/tours/index.htm#oct_nov Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar offers a breathtaking blend of three gayakis (vocal styles) from the Gwalior , Agra and Jaipur gharanas (musical traditions). His performances offer a unique glimpse into the integrity and beauty of North Indian classical music. Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar was born into a family of musicians and was initially trained by his father, Shri N. D. Kashalkar before being accepted as the disciple of great masters such as Pt. Ram Marathe and Pt. Gajanan bua Joshi. http://www.amc.org.uk/tours/index.htm#oct_nov The Payvar Ensemble has performed and represented Iranian music all over the world. The Ensemble was formed forty years ago in honour of the outstanding musician Ostad Payvar, a master of the santoor based on the tradition of dastgahs (Iranian scales). The group we are bringing includes a number of legendary Iranian musicians who will perform a compelling and richly diverse programme of entrancing Iranian music led by the tar, santoor and tombak (Iranian drum). http://www.amc.org.uk/tours/index.htm#oct_nov The deep emotions of Jazz, the alluring passions of Malian music and the intense spirituality of Indian classical music are united in this unique collaboration between three female vocalists: Kandia Kouyate ( Mali ), Shubha Mudgal ( India ) and Juliet Roberts (UK). The three vocal traditions are linked through the theme of storytelling as each genre depicts tales of betrayal, love, and conflict. The vocalists are joined by accompanying musicians from each of the three traditions including kora, sarangi, tabla, bass, piano and drum kit