Baliphonics at Goethe-Institut
Baliphonics presents the music of the low-country bali ritual
tradition of Sri Lanka in a sublime collaboration with contemporary jazz
and improvisation on Saturday (June 15) at 7.30 pm at the Goethe-Institut,Courtyard.
Founded by jazz drummer Sumudi Suraweera, the ensemble consists of two
experienced traditional musicians from the lineage of Raigam korela (Susantha
and Prasantha Rupathilaka) on voice, concert pianist and composer (Eshantha
Peiris) on violin and bassist and sonic artist (Isaac Smith) on double
bass.
The ensemble, initiated in 2008, was inspired by Suraweera's long
standing research on the tradition of low-country ritual drumming and
music. His adaptation of the low-country drumming language on to a
hybrid Western-Sri Lankan drum set in this group, opens up the
possibility of transforming this age old drumming tradition onto a
global contemporary stage.
The raw, original chanting, singing and gestures made by the
Rupathilaka siblings communicate the immense intensity and power of
ritual music. The experimental sounds and sonic textures provided by
Smith and Peiris illustrate the high level of musical dialogue and
interaction between the two musical cultures.
Experience the Baliphonics, witness the traditional boundaries being
pushed, and transcend yourself into the spirit of the ritual! |