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Dhwani Academy of Percussion Music and Whittier College present “Phases,” a musical composition by Abhijit Banerjee as a production of Tarang.
Tarang blends rhythm with melody and is composed of a group of innovative musicians on various instruments, some of which are seldom heard and played together, such as fusing Indian percussion instruments like tabla, pakhawaj, and khanjira and unique folk instruments like ektara and khamak with non-Indian instruments such as kajon, kongo, tumbak, and taiko.
While a primary aim of Tarang is to bridge cultures and musical traditions, a concurrent purpose is to preserve artistic traditions that are rapidly being lost. Folk traditions are quickly becoming extinct and the few remaining exponents of Indian folk instruments such asbangla dhol, Nepali madol, South Indian uddukka, morsing, and khol are hard-pressed to find outlets for their artistry.
Tarang’s presentation of “Phases” brings together renowned artists from North and South India, Indonesia, and Japan in a unique cross-cultural collaboration that explores the common roots, synergies and departures exhibited by the musical and percussive traditions of each of these regions. The production seeks not only to break barriers and create a musical bridge across regions, but also across the genres of classical and folk. “Phases” will introduce the listener to the percussive traditions of each region respectively and then demonstrates the unique melodies and sounds that emerge when these traditions come together.
In addition to Banerjee, this production will feature Somnath Roy, Goutam Shome, Snehashish Majumdar, Patrick Ritchie, and a guest artist on Japanese taiko drum.
Friday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, 6760 Painter Ave., Whittier. $25 general; $15 students/seniors. Tickets: (562) 907-4203; boxoffice@shannoncenter.org. www.abhijitbanerjee.com.