Sunday, 10-25-2009

Global Classroom: Khoomei-Taiko Project: Blending Old and New: Mongolian and Japanese Traditions

Join Global Classroom as Town Hall opens its 2009-10 Global Rhythm Series with the West Coast debut of the ground-breaking Khoomei-Taiko Ensemble. This unique collaboration features internationally-renowned Japanese and Mongolian artists exploring the rich traditions and contemporary sounds of their musical cultures. Hear an extraordinary blend of morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), Mongolian jaw harp, khoomei (throat singing), long song, matgaal (praise) songs, Japanese flutes and taiko (drums). Sit back and enjoy the distinct cultural commonalities, traditional music forms, and ritual elements shared by Mongolia and Japan.

As educators, how can we discuss the social and cultural importance of preserving ancient arts while welcoming the new? Before the 7:30 performance begins, we will discuss these connections. Dwight Gee, Executive VP, ArtsFund, and volunteer President of Arts Council of Mongolia-US will discuss why preserving Mongolia’s unique cultural heritage is crucial to that country’s future economic success and describe how one project is capturing fleeting memories of Mongolia’s rich Buddhist past, suppressed for decades by communist rule.

Next Pat Burleson, NCTA instructor and Director of Japanese Connections (H.S. study tour program to Japan) will discuss the connection of Japanese traditional art forms with Japan’s ultra modern culture. What place do flower arranging, Noh and Kabuki theater (and the accompanying music), tea ceremony, and wood block prints have in 21st century Japan? Some have taken on new forms, and have stirred a bit of controversy in the process.

Join us for this pre-performance talk and world-premier of the Khoomei-Taiko Ensemble Project. Sign up by October 20 in order to guarantee a seat. Students, family members, and friends are welcome to this special World Affairs Council – Town Hall collaboration. Teacher Resource packets will include music and art, as well as politics and current issues.