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  The
Opening Benefit Concert takes place at the time of the harvest moon and
the fall equinox—cycles of life that remind us of the blessing of this
earth. The evening offers a host of outstanding international artists
sharing their sacred traditions in an event dedicated to the Festival’s
mission: promoting peace, tolerance and universal responsibility. We
bear witness to the profound ways in which each group—diverse in sound
and magnificent in presentation—brings us together. Nestled on lush
grassy lawns, the outdoor amphitheater is a wooded retreat far from the
bustle of city life. The illumination of the night sky with the rising
of the full moon welcomes the audience to this family event and focuses
on the experience of the oneness of nature. A magic carpet ride across
a landscape of music and traditions that transcends time and space, the
concert celebrates our interconnectedness and our relationship to
nature.
We invite Angelenos to gather at
this special place to share their precious time and join us to
experience an abundance of musical traditions from around the world:
The Blessing
Cindi Moar Alvitre and members of Ti'at Society of the Tongva Nation
open the festival with a traditional Native American blessing. They are
joined by the Mankillers, an all-woman drum corps drawn from different
tribes and Nations, to sing the Coming Home song. Mankiller is a
traditional Cherokee warrior-name and the women in the group seek to
use their warrior spirits to create strong family relationships and
healthy communities.
Chirgilchin, Siberia
Current champions of Tuvan (Siberia) national throat singing
competitions, chirgilchin means mirage or miracle in the Tuvan
language. Founded in 1996, Chirgilchin brings together the cream of the
younger generation of Tuvan musicians. Sung in their native language,
the group plays little-known instruments including the doshpuluur (a
kind of lute), the igil (a violin with two strings), and the dungur (a
rattle drum used by the Tuvan Shamans).
Gonja Dreams, Africa
Gonja Dreams brings together musicians from Ghana, Burkina Faso,
Senegal, Cameroon, Brazil and the US. Based on original music by
musician and dancer Iddi Saaka (Ghana), the program reflects the journeys of
these seven African artists and their collaborations with artists from
all over the world. Beginning with drumming, balophone (xylophone), and
singing, the music gradually moves from traditional to contemporary,
culminating in a vibrant explosion of world beats and West African
dance. Performers include: Malik Sow (Sengeal: Djembe, balophone and vocals), Olivier Tarpaga (Burkina
Faso: djembe, vocals and dance), Nodongo Mbaye (Sengeal: talking drum, vocals and dance);
Tal Hazon (Israel: bass guitar); Roberto Montero (Brazil: lead guitar),
Paul Tchounga (Cameroon: drum set)
and Paul Terry (USA: keyboard).
KNUA Korean Traditional
Performing Arts Troupe
A profoundly moving voyage into the diverse musical repertoire and
“inner dynamics of outer stillness” that is the essence of Korean dance
are showcased in The Spirit of Korean Music and Dance, a program of
Korean cultural treasures. Going deep into Buddhist music and dance
including the powerful Korean Shamanistic tradition, the troupe’s
steady chanting, dynamic sound, energetic drumming, leading to ecstatic
and stunning improvisation evokes the music’s spiritual intent and
sanctity.
Los Folkloristas, Mexico
Founded in 1966 to preserve and record the traditional music of Mexico
and Latin America, Los Folkloristas music is filled with pathos and
humor. “Ecstatically beautiful,” says one critic, and with more than
100 instruments in their collection, this seven-member ensemble
seamlessly moves through songs from more than a dozen different
countries and pre-Columbian America. The ensemble will be joined by
dancers from Danza Floricanto/USA--the oldest existing professional
Mexican folk dance troupe in Los Angeles.
Jiri Pavlica & Hradistan
Dulcimer Band, Czech Republic
In the very heart of Europe, we travel to South Moravia in the Czech
Republic. In South Moravia is the ancient town of Uherske Hradiste, the
home and inspiration of an extraordinary musical ensemble—Jiri Pavlica
& Hradistan Dulcimer Band. Regional folk songs are at the heart of
this music that taps historical sources to create a joyous fusion of
modern and classical traditions.
Cancelled - Visa Denied (click for more information)
Hun Lakorn Lek Puppet Theatre
Troupe of Thailand
Ten classically-trained Thai puppeteers and Khon (mask play) dancers
work in perfect unison to produce the incredibly lifelike human
movements and personality of each puppet. Interacting with the audience
during the performance, the puppeteers showcase the dexterity of the
ornately decorated puppets as they enact scenes from the Thai/Indian
Epic Ramakien. Artistic director Sakorn Yangkhiawsod ("Joe Louis"),
leads the only troupe in Thailand that performs this intricate and
elegant art form. This performance will take place in the Buenos Ayres
Room, adjacent to the main venue, and is oriented to family and
children.
Brenda Jackson studied at the St.
Louis Institute of Music and Washington University and has won numerous
international prizes and fellowships. A member of the Deutsche Opera
Berlin, she has been a guest at La Scala Milano, Teatro la Fenice,
Bratislava October Festival, Savonlinna Opera Festival, Kissingen Summer
Festival, and many opera houses throughout Germany. The combination of her
soprano voice, her elegant stage presence and dramatic capacity allows her
a broad spectrum of opera repertoire.
This event is curated and
produced by the WFSM-LA and is the only fundraiser for the Festival.
Join us on this special occasion as we open the Festival and begin 16
days of community building across the city.
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