Go and do

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5

Lecture/demonstration: “South Indian Classical Dance as Contemporary Practice.” Presented by Bharata Natyam-style dancer Aniruddha Knight and his ensemble of South Indian musicians. Edmund S. Muskie Archives, 70 Campus Ave.

8 p.m. Friday, March 7

Concert: The Bates College Orchestra, directed by Hiroya Miura, performs compositions by Jean-Philippe Rameau and Joaquin Rodrigo, and contemporary pieces inspired by music of Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Olin Arts Center Concert Hall, 75 Russell St.

8 p.m. Saturday, March 8

Dance and music performance: Aniruddha Knight and his ensemble premiere “From the Heart of a Tradition,” a fresh interpretation of South Indian classical music and dance. Olin Arts Center Concert Hall, 75 Russell St.

8 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Concert: The Bates College Gamelan Orchestra with special guest artists: Indonesian composer Nano S., drummer Undang Sumarna, bamboo flutist Burhan Sukarma and dancer Ben Arcangel. Olin Arts Center Concert Hall, 75 Russell St.

FOR MORE INFO: Call 786-6135.

Spotlight shines on India, Indonesia

LEWISTON – With the theme “Musical Legacies of South and Southeast Asia,” Bates College students and faculty – and internationally esteemed performers – will present the college’s World Music Week from March 5 to March 15.

Performers include the Bates College Orchestra and Bates Gamelan Orchestra, Indian dancer Aniruddha Knight and Indonesian composer Nano S.

Festival events are open to the public at no cost.

“This year’s concept pays tribute to the profound traditional artistic roots of these regions, but at the same time acknowledges the strong innovative spirit evident in this year’s artists,” says festival organizer Gina Fatone, assistant professor of music. “The artists hold a deep reverence for their heritages, yet are driven to push the boundaries of tradition, creating something vibrant and new.”

In a concert at 8 p.m. Friday, March 7, the Bates College Orchestra will offer a program reflecting influences from around the globe, as well as works inspired by music of Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Hiroya Miura directs the orchestra.

Expert in the classical South Indian music and dance genre called “bharata natyam,” dancer Aniruddha Knight and his ensemble will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 8. They will present “From the Heart of a Tradition,” a new interpretation of this traditional form.

Knight’s dance reveals the musicality, mastery of technique and improvisational skill that distinguish his family’s hereditary style. But he also represents the face of young America: biracial, bicultural and, as an artist, completely contemporary. He and his ensemble were among 15 companies to receive production and touring support from the National Dance Project in 2007 and 2008.

Closing World Music Week at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 15, will be a performance by the Bates College Gamelan Orchestra, joined by guest artists, including Indonesian composer Nano S.,

“Gamelan” refers to the large bronze percussion orchestras of Java and Bali, Indonesia. The Bates Gamelan Orchestra performs traditional and contemporary music of west and central Java, as well as new music for gamelan by North American composers.

Nano S. is widely viewed as one of Indonesia’s most important and influential musicians. He has taught and toured extensively in Japan, Canada and the United States.

Also performing will be drummer Undang Sumarna, bamboo flute player Burhan Sukarma and dancer Ben Arcangel.

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