Saa-uk Autumn Winter 2011 Brochure

‘Preserving the traditional, facilitating the contemporary’

www.saa-uk.org.uk

‘SAA’, the keynote or tonic, is the mother of South Asian Music...

Autumn / WIntER 2011-12

WElcomE to Autumn/WIntER 2011…

The Autumn/Winter season always puts me into a party mood; an opportunity to celebrate coupled with a deep desire to say ‘Thank You’ to all for the wonderful seasons SAA-uk has just completed.

As the year ebbs to a close, a part of me yearns for the start of the New Year which we hope will be full of promise for everyone! (See page 4 for reviews)

With these thoughts in mind, my team and I are certain that this brochure (that kick starts the season from September and takes you all the way through the New Year in readiness for spring 2012) will get you into a festive mood. Our Concert Series is full of music of the heart and stories of distant lands told through dance, created by artists rooted in South Asian Art and culture.

September is also the start of the new academic year. The SAA-uk Music and Dance clubs offers you light relief from a heavy school or work day, through music-making on the Sitar, Tabla and Santoor. Perhaps you would like to stamp out all the stress and tension by visiting our Bhangracise or Music and Dance of the Punjab classes. Finally, we offer the ever-popular insight into the history and culture of India through Bharatanatyam Dance classes from beginner to advanced. (See pages 14 to 17 for more details)

SAA-uk hops across the pond in October 2011 to support Roopa Panesar’s maiden US Tour commencing in L.A. and concluding to Orlando, Florida. Do keep an eye on the SAA-uk website for updates, reviews and feedback from audiences in the U.S.

For those of you who cherish the idea of lazy Sunday afternoons then there is no better way than tuning into RAAGfever Radio Show and listening to the very best of Raag-based music, golden voices of yesteryear and the latest releases by artists of South Asian Music from around the world.

2012 is the year of celebration; including festivities up and down the land to mark the diamond jubilee of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, the hosting of the Olympic Games and more importantly the fact that SAA-uk will be 15 years young. It is all very exciting, with street parties galore, sports and cultural event bringing the nation to life and, for SAA-uk, a new beginning as we look ahead to our ambitions for 2012-13 and beyond.

Kind regards

Keranjeet Kaur VirdeeChief Executive

P.S Remember to check out our website www.saa-uk.org.uk, join our Facebook Group or Twitter profile.

All information printed in this brochure was accurate at the time and may be subject to changes.SAA-uk reserves the right to make changes as required. Please check SAA-uk website: www.saa-uk.org.uk for the most update to date information.

stAy In touch

JOIN OUR MAILING LISTDon’t miss out on any of SAA-uk’s events! You can register for SAA-uk’sFREE Mailing List by clicking ‘Register’ at www.saa-uk.org.uk toreceive future Seasonal Brochures in the post. Plus, leave us youre-mail address and we’ll send you monthly E-Bulletins with the latestSAA-uk news with what’s coming up in the coming weeks…

YOUTUBESAA-uk has its very own YouTube channel where you can catch upwith excerpts of previous concerts and events! Keep an eye on itthroughout the year… we update it regularly and you may find clipsfrom concerts listed in this very Seasonal Brochure.

SAA-uk’s YouTube Channel can be found at: youtube.com/southasianartsuk

FACEBOOKKeep up to date with all SAA-uk goings on and keep in touch with us by leaving your comments at the SAA-uk Facebook Group… Just search for ‘SAA-uk’ next time you’re on Facebook and join the group!

TWITTER Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/southasianartuk

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BY POST:3 St Peter’s Building, St Peter’s Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AH

BY TELEPhONE0113 244 5523

BY [email protected]

VISIT OUR WEBSITEwww.saa-uk.org.uk

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The one event that we had not planned, but was highly successful and really brought communities together in a way that we had not imagined was Namaskār. This took place on 18th June 2011 at St Edmunds Church Hall in Roundhay. Working together with community members of St Edmunds and Leeds Faith Forum, SAA-uk was able to provide a colourful introduction and sharing of South Asian culture with the local community. This was truly a memorable evening whereby people of all walks of life took part and created night of poetry, music, dance and shared conversation over a humble meal. To top it off the Lord Mayor of Leeds (Cllr Canon Alan Taylor) was there, providing inspiration for all the young performers, who felt very important performing in front of such an important dignitary.

‘The music and dance was wonderful, but it was lovely to sit and talk to three Asian ladies for the first time in my life’ (anon)

When we look back at the Spring/Summer season there are five events that come to mind, each having its own special something that made it memorable. Starting off with ’Universal Mother’, a new music and dance commission through which Universal Mothers (Smt. Devika Rao, Smt Rashmi Sudhir, Smt, Remya Nambiar & Smt. Vrata Sankar Chigetari) truly welcomed spring and left the audience with food for thought.

This was swiftly followed by a partnership project with the Leeds Grand Theatre team in April 2011 called ‘A Grand Story’. The outcome at the end of week-long activity involving young people was astonishing. They brought the history of the Grand Theatre to life through wonderful shadow puppets and music they had created.

May 2011 gave audiences, fans and young sitar students the opportunity to experience that very best of Indian Classical music, presented by rising female sitarist Roopa Panesar. In July 2011, through the Family Variety Show, participants of SAA-uk classes shared their achievements with family and friends bringing the season to a close.

A joyful celebration of the festive spirit of India brought to life through stunning ancient dances and rich stories originating from the Indian Sub-continent. The dancers of the Annapurna Indian Dance Company promise to take you on a magical and beautiful journey to mystic India through skilfully combining the art of storytelling, dancing and puppetry, all colourfully presented in ornate costumes and jewellery.

(Over the past fifteen years the Annapurna Dance Company have brought their vibrant stories to people of all ages and cultures throughout UK bringing a delightful insight into traditional Indian culture through a variety of mediums from storytelling, puppetry, traditional music and respected guest artists from India along with beautiful ancient Tempe dance styles, performed by some very talented dancers.)

monsoon tAlEs

Presented by Annapura Dance Company

7:30pm (Doors open 7.00pm)Thursday 27th Oct 2011

Seven Arts, 31a Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS7 3PD

£8 / £4 / £25 Group of 4£20 Family (2 adults + up to 3 under-16’s)

Reservations: (0113) 244 5523Online Booking:ticketsource.co.uk/saaukFor more info: (0113) 244 5523 or www.saa-uk.org.uk

As the last of the summer sun starts to fade and the winter evenings get longer, it is time to reflect on the seasons passed, prepare for numerous festivals and for the winter ahead. There is no better way than to join us for the best of Mind, Body and Soul music that will free your mind of all the stresses of the day; through beautiful poetry in song, by the soulful voice of Azhar Nasir. Featuring ghazals by Ghulam Ali, Mohammed Rafi Sahib and Geets of yesteryear, leaving you feeling totally relaxed and ready for a new dawn.




sEptEmbER 2011

octobER 2011

SAA-uk Concert Series at


Spring / Summer 2011 WOW! WhAT A SEASON!

Khubsoorat sangeet Ki shām

A beautiful evening of music’Featuring: Azhar Nasir on VocalsAccompanied by: Shahbaz Hussain on tabla and Fida Hussain on harmonium

7:30pm (Doors open 7.00pm)Thursday 29th Sept 2011

8/9

Light Night will be transforming the centre of Leeds from 4pm onwards for one night once again this year. This is an enormous FREE ART event organised by the City Council’s Arts and Regeneration Team every year in Leeds, with venues across the city centre opening late and playing host to around 70 different events, all free, which celebrate the full range of exciting creative activity which goes on all year round in the city.

This year, SAA-uk offers people of the city and visitors to have a go at RAS GARBA - a folk dance of Gujarat lead by Chiragi Solanki. In addition, participants are encouraged to contribute and add their own colour to the LEEDS RANGOLI.

SAA-uk @ Victoria Gardens (In front of Leeds Central Library and Art Gallery),

www.lightnightleeds.co.uk

Giuliano Modarelli is a talented guitarist, joined by prolific tabla player Bhupinder Singh Chaggar; they together re-shape a 5000 year old tradition by taking notes of a rāg, intricately manipulating them with skilful improvisation to create contemporary music that is beautifully eclectic, unique and perfectly symbolizes the music of 21st Century Britain

Fabulous music. Thank you. I have never seen hands fly so fast. (anon).

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lIght nIght

Join us and take part in RAS GARBA and create a LEEDS RANGOLI

5.00pm onwardsFriday 7th October 2011

mIlAn to mumbAI

1pm-2.30pmSaturday 8th October 2011

Mid-day MantrasCBSO BirminghamSymphony Hall -Level 3.

octobER 2011

octobER 2011

A new, fresh and innovative sound influenced by the likes of Kaushiki Chakrabarty and Ajoy Chakrabarty all wrapped in original musical treatment by young and emerging musicians.

Vanessa Rani and Co. will fuse Classical Indian Rāg and folk song with western style grooves to create a mood and atmosphere of total relaxation and calm on a mid-winter’s evening.

Featuring: Vanessa Rani Chutturghoon, Joe Harris, Giuliano Modarelli, and Upneet Singh

7:30pm (Doors open 7.00pm)Thursday 26th Jan 2012




VAnEssA RAnI & co.

8/9

mARch 2012

Following on from two highly successful events (Namaskār & Family Variety), SAA-uk invites everyone to an afternoon that is all about sharing and celebrating the achievements of all children, young people and adults participating in Indian classical music and dance.

This is your chance to enjoy poetry, watch Bharatanatyam Dance, hear the sitar, santoor, tabla and vocal and indulge in a spot of afternoon tea, Indian style!

Come and join our party, be entertained and make new friends.

St Johns Church, Fir Tree Lane, Leeds LS17 7BZ

£7.00/£5.00/£20.00 (for group of 4 or family) - Under 5’s go Free

Online Booking:ticketsource.co.uk/saaukFor more info: (0113) 244 5523 or www.saa-uk.org.uk

The VENUE, Leeds College of Music, 3 Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7PD

Leeds International Concert Season in association with SAA-uk.

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sAA-uk FAmIly VARIEty sERIEs

Festive Season Celebration!

3.00pm to 5.00pmSunday 11th December 2011

mId-dAy mAndolIn

Featuring: Tom Pope on Mandolin & Bhupinder Singh Chaggar on Tabla

1:05pmWednesday 7th December 2011


dEcEmbER 2011 JAnuARy 2012

dEcEmbER 2011

Join us for a concert featuring two musicians of West Yorkshire, Tom Pope and Bhupinder Singh Chaggar.

Tom has taken the Mandolin, originating from Italy, and added a little Hindustani twist to offer audiences the opportunity to experience the woven sounds of Europe and India in a single space.

The two musicians will present an afternoon rāg, re-shaped through the intricate use of notes of a rāg; skilfully manipulated and framed within rhythmic patterns on the Tabla by the outstanding talent of Bhupinder Singh Chaggar to create contemporary music that is both eclectic and beautiful.

Image by: Dilrani Kaur Lall

Yorkshire based Italian guitarist Giuliano Modarelli has taken on the challenge of playing Rāgas with integrity on his acoustic guitar creating a contemporary sound that is delightful to the ear. Santoorist Kamaljeet Kaur continues to push the boundaries of the soothing Santoor, a folk instrument originating from the Hills of Kashmir and imbedded into the world of Indian Classical Music by Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma.

This recital is a coming together of three new generation musicians exploring the fine art of improvisation through Indian Classical Rāgs to create a space for musical conversation that is free flowing, intricate and framed by rhythmic patterns of the Tabla by highly accomplished musician Sri Bhupinder Singh Chaggar, disciple of Pt Sharda Sahaiji.

Clothworkers Centenary Hall, Leeds School of Music (off Woodhouse Lane), Leeds, LS6 7PD

(Please note no booking required, light refreshments available from 12:30pm)

JugAlbAndI

(a conversation through music)

1.05pmFriday 16th March 2012

mARch 2012

An evening that brings together two award-winning international musicians, Ustād Harbhajan Singh (winner of Sangeet Natak Academy Award 2010) and Ustād Sukhvinder Singh Namdhari (featured on the Grammy Award winning CD “A meeting by the River” in 1994). Together these musicians will share an evening of Sacred Music that is rooted in the Classical Rāgs associated with Gurbani Sangeet. Adding an additional flavour will be Kirpal Singh on Ter Shennai, a bowed instrument rarely heard in Yorkshire.




An EVEnIng oF sAcREd musIc

Featuring: Ustād Harbhajan Singh on vocals, Ustād Sukhvinder Singh on Tabla, Kirpal Singh on Ter ShennaiPritpal Singh on Tanpura

7:30pm (Doors open 7.00pm)Thursday 23rd Feb 2012


FEbRuARy 2012

10/11

I, WITHIN & ANANT is a vibrant dance production which features a specially commissioned score from Alap Desai and explores the different roles of a woman in modern society.Putting a bold and contemporary twist on the traditional Kathak idiom, the piece explores the emotional journey of a woman passing through different relationships as she tries to gain a sense of balance in her life.

I, WITHIN (formerly HATS) was originally showcased as part of Resolution! 2010 at The Place.

“Urja Desai Thakore composed the dance piece excellently...it was a beautiful start to an amazing piece” Asian Age

pAgRAV dAncE co. WIth uRJA dEsAI thAkoRE

7:30pm (Doors open 7.00pm) Thursday 29th Mar 2012




mARch 2012


sAA-uk musIc & dAncE tRAInIng SAA-uk invites everyone irrespective of age, ability and background to participate in music and dance that originates from the Indian subcontinent and has evolved over thousands of years.

SAA-uk offers regular classes right on your doorsteps in Leeds (West Yorkshire) by leading exponents of Sitar, Santoor, Tabla, Family Vocals, Bharatanatyam Dance, Folk Music of Punjab and Bhangra with a contemporary twist.

Don’t miss out on taking part in our Family Variety Shows that are planned to take place at the end of each semester and are an opportunity for all the family to celebrate together.

So read on…… and check out all that is available and we look forward to welcoming you to our classes.

Family Variety Show July 2011 - Children, Young People and Adults share their achievements through joint

celebration, generously supported by Sheepscar Club, Leeds 7

sundAy hIndustAnI musIc club

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Free places for all parents and discounts are available for additional family members and those on low incomes for all SAA-uk classes.

Please call SAA-uk on 0113 244 5523 for more information. All fees are non returnable and non transferable and must be paid before the start of term.

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Santoor for all agesFor age 5 to adultTime: 4.00pm-5.30pmCourse Fee: £90 per term

Sitar for all agesFor age 7 to adultsTime: 4.00pm-5.30pmCourse Fee: £60 per term

Family Vocals for all ages(Classical and Gurbani)For children to adults Time: 2.30pm -3.30pmCourse Fee: £90 per term per family

Tabla for all agesFor age 5 to adultTime: 4.00pm-5.30pmCourse Fee: £90 per term

Mini SitarFor 3-6 year oldTime: 1.30pm- 2.30pmCourse Fee: £60 per term

Through the Music Club participants are offered a chance to learn to play instruments heard in great Royal

Palaces of the Indian Sub-continent and popularised by sitarist Pt. Ravi Shankar, The Beatles, Missy Elliot

and more recently with Roopa Panesar. Learn to sing like the great song birds of Asia, as well as become

part of a great family, have fun, develop motor skills, stamina, concentration, self-discipline and unlock creative

power through the fine art of classical music.

Punjab School, 2nd Floor GNNSJ (Sikh Temple), 78 Lady Pit Lane.

Beeston Leeds LS11 6DP (Parking available all day).

Dress code at the Punjabi School: Head must be covered, with dupata, bandana or turban (no jeans, and

leggings with dress or skirt recommended for ease of playing).

TERM DATES: 11th September to 18th December 2011 (no session on 30th October 2011).TERM DATES: 15th January to 25th March 2012 (no session on 19th February 2011).

FRIdAy EVEnIng IndIAn dAncE club

Juniors For 10-13 years old Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pmCourse Fee: £90 per term

MinisFor 6- 9 year oldTime: 6.00pm – 7.30pmCourse Fee: £90 per term

SeniorsFor Young People & Adults (Aged 13 and above)

At least 2 years dance experience is required to join this class (although this does not have to be Bharatanatyam dance)

Time: 7.00pm- 9.00pmCourse Fee: £120 per term

TotsFor 3-5 year oldTime: 5.00pm- 6.00pmCourse Fee: £60 per term

Bharatanatyam dance is a classical dance form that originates from South India, saved from becoming extinct

by Rukmani Devi, who presented the dance form on stage against great protests in 1935. Later this form was

popularised by evergreen Bollywood film actress Hema Malani. Today it holds its own place on the world

stage and inspires many classical contemporary dance artists and productions.

These classes are an opportunity for all participantsaged 3 to adult to learn a beautiful dance form that shares

the same status as western ballet under the guidance of one of the Yorkshire region’s leading exponents

Smt. Devika Rao.

The classes provide children and young people to develop self-discipline, grace, confidence, pride and self-

esteem through the fine art of classical dance.

SAA-uk classes are held at:

The Dance Studio. Macaulay Street, Leeds. LS9 7DZ (parking available from 5.00pm)

TERM DATES: 11th September to 18th December 2011 (no session on 28th October 2011).

TERM DATES: 15th January to 25th March 2012 (no session on 17th February 2011).

Gidha is an exuberant dance through which Boliyan verses are enacted

representing folk poetry at its best. The subject matter of these bolis is wide

ranging indeed – everything from arguments with the sister-in-law to political

affairs figure in these lively songs. Allowing everyone to release any stress,

share their joy and sorrows with new found friends. Join Kanwaljeet and

friends from September to master the boliyan and Gidha of our mums.

Time: 6.00pm-7.00pm | Course fee: £35 per term | Open to all ages

Bhangracise takes the traditional folk dance of Punjab and Chiragi Solanki adds a modern twist. Participants have the opportunity learn

great dance moves to high energy tracks, have great fun, get the heart

pumping and burn off a few calories with friends.

Time: 6.00pm-7.00pm | Course fee: £35 per term | Open to all ages

Tuesday Evenings at Bracken Edge Primary School Newton Road, Leeds, LS7 4HE

BIG SAVING! Save £20 if you attend both the Bhangracise and Giddha, Boliyan classes and pay only £40 per term for the two.

A great way to have fun, get fit, make friends and learn moves that bring the world of dance together through the

popular music of the Indian film industry ‘Bollywood’ and watchful eye of leading dance tutor in the field Zoobin Surty.

musIc And dAncE oF thE punJAb

Contemporary Bollywood danCe

Northern Ballet Theatre-6 September 2011

Beginners Course - 10 weeks

Tuesdays – 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm - £65.00

Yorkshire Dance centre15 September 2011

Level 1 - 13 weeks

Thursdays – 6.30pm to 8.00 pm - £84.00

Level 2 13 weeks

Thursdays – 8.00 pm to 9.30 pm - £84.00

For more classes in your York and North Yorkshire - please visit www. zoobinkarmadance.comEmail: [email protected]: 07737134821

To be a part of ZSKD production Summer 2012 please email Zoobin.

When: Saturday 22nd Oct 10.00am to 5.00pm

Sunday 23rd Oct 10.00am to 5.00pm

Where: Hindu Mandhir, Alexandra Road, Leeds LS6

Fee: £60.00

To Register: Simply call SAA-uk on 0113 244 5523 or email [email protected]

A MUST attend for all Yorkshire based students of ISTD Trinity Grades1, 2 & 3!!

South Asian Arts-uk in association with Chitraleka Dance Company, are offering a two-day residency especially for

dancers age 7 and above training in Bharatanatyam Dance who are working towards their ISTD Trinity College grading.

During this residency you will develop skills and a deeper understanding of Bharatanatyam Dance and the role of Sargam (melody of the music), Taala (Rhythm patterns and framework) and Nattuvangam. It is vital for all

dancers to truly connect with all aspects in order to interpret the stories, intricate movements and expressions that

this dance form represents.

All participants will have the rare opportunity to study under husband and wife team S.V. Balakrishna (Balu) (Mridangamist), and Vasudha K.S (Vocalist).

Vasudha K S: Vasudha is a professional Carnatic singer from Bangalore, India. She studied music under the guidance of Smt Shakuntala Srinivas, Guru T Srinivas and currently under ‘Vidhushi’ Smt. Neela Ramgopal. She has travelled extensively in India, Europe, USA and South America giving music concerts and supporting prominent Bharatanatyam dance artists internationally and is a regular visitor to UK.

Balu is currently an ‘A’ graded All India Radio artist in Mridangam and Morsing. He has given performances with Radio and Television throughout India. Balu is a renowned Mridangam and all-round percussion artist from Bangalore, India. Balu learnt mridangam under the guidance of Sri M Vasudeva Rao (Honoured as ‘Mridanga Vaadana Ratna’ Vidwan). He has performed in Europe, Canada and USA and has made regular visits to the UK in the past to work with many of Chitraleka Dance Company’s touring productions as a composer and musician. He has supported the company’s programme of dance development, education and outreach work. Although the Mridangam is Balu’s main instrument, he is also a master of a whole range of other classical accompanying percussion instruments such as Morsing (Jaws harp), Ghatam (earthen pot) and Konakkol (vocalisation of mridangam syllables).

In association with

south IndIAn musIc And bhARAtAnAtyAm dAncE REsIdEncy

16/17

sAA-uk WoRkIng hAnd In hAnd In thE communIty

18/19

IndIAn musIc And dAncE In schools Are you a school, community group or venue looking at ways to explore

any of the following themes?

Cultural Festivals, Faith, Diversity, Community Cohesion, School Linking, Increasing levels of Physical Activity and developing confidence or simply want to use the ARTS to deliver elements of the

National Curriculum.

PERHAPS SAA-uK CAN HELP YOu. Since 1997 SAA-uk has worked with schools, community groups and venues

to provide access to cultural diverse arts that are customised to the needs of

children, young people and adults. As a part of our ongoing commitment to

engage the next generation and promote the richness of South Asian Art that is now part of our uK heritage, we offer music, dance, drama, storytelling

and visual arts workshops delivered by artists who are experts in their field

and hold current CRB checks and many have first aid certificates and

teaching qualifications.

The team at SAA-uk organise every detail of the workshop, harnessing your

ideas and aims and creating tailor-made workshops, which can last half a

day, a full day, a week or even longer. We can even run an hour session for

after school clubs.

The Cost: Workshops start at £60. A full day is approximately £300

(depending on location and material needed).

All children were fully engaged (D.F. Iveson Primary June 2011)

The workshop fulfilled all aims and was great to have an artist with personal experience in this field. (N.W. Boston Spa School April 2011)

We were very impressed with how much the children did in a short time. Dola was fantastic in getting the children to join in (only one or two reluctant boys!). The performance at the end was a real goal for the children to work towards and gave the whole project a purpose. (L.W. July 2011)

Thank you! You helped add a wonderful extra creative dimension and focus to our Multicultural Arts week. We appreciate it. (S.H. Shire Oak Primary 2011)

To discuss or for more info please give Narinder a call on 0113 2445523 or check out www.saa-uk.org.uk.

SAA-uk (South Asian Arts-uk)3 St. Peter’s Building, St. Peter’s Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AH

Tel: (0113) 244 5523 Fax: (0113) 244 1319 E-mail: [email protected]: www.saa-uk.org.uk

SAA-uk is a Registered Charity (No. 1080292) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (No. 3391845)

This brochure is available in LARGE PRINT. Please call (0113) 244 5523 or e-mail [email protected] to request your copy.

Design & Print by www.studiobellytimber.co.uk

Details correct at time of printPlease contact SAA-uk for exact details at time of booking or check the website

AssocIAtEs & pARtnERs

sAA-uk Is gEnERously FundEd by :

SAA-uk is delighted to be working in partnership with the organisation listed and is grateful for the support of the PUNJABI SCHOOL @ GNNSJ (Leeds) as well a all the volunteers and Interns that give so much to the organisation and its mission.

Documents

Saa-uk Autumn Winter 2011 Brochure