Surya Nepal Jazzmandu, formally known as the Surya Nepal International Kathmandu Jazz Festival, will once again bring International and Nepali musicians together in the Nepali capital for its 11th edition of “the biggest jazz party in the Himalayas”.
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| Jazzmandu 2013 |
Since its inception eleven years ago, the festival has grown to become a respected event among music enthusiasts and musicians alike, and an additional attraction for visitors to Nepal. The festival has been instrumental in placing Nepal on the International jazz map and jazz music has now found a place of its own in the heart of the Himalayas.
Over the years, Surya Nepal Jazzmandu has succeeded in not only introducing jazz to Nepal, but also in generating a growing interest for music education and western music traditions. Local musicians who have been exposed to jazz have expanded their creativity, explored new techniques and the freedom of improvisation in playing familiar instruments. The Jazz for the Next Generation competition is now a well established feature of the festival that provides an opportunity for aspiring local young bands to showcase their skills and talent and interact with renowned foreign artists.
The international language of music dismisses narrow socio-cultural divides and cuts across our differences of culture, color, faith, geography to promote peace and compassion in a world in great need of understanding, empathy and tolerance. Surya Nepal Jazzmandu provides an exciting platform for musicians and people of all walks of life to come together through their love of music.
Over the years, the festival has provided free shows for the general public, jazz performances for school students, master classes and workshops by visiting artists for music enthusiasts and students. Over the past eleven years Surya Nepal Jazzmandu has introduced people in Nepal to many great, world-famous jazz artists such as Trilok Gurtu, Louis Banks, Natalie Williams, Ari Hoenig, Tito Puente Jr, Mark Brown Band, and Catia Werneck Quartet to name but a few.
Visiting artists in turn have had the chance to discover and enjoy the rich culture, beauty and diversity of Nepal, to meet and share musical experiences, and jam together with renowned local musicians and other international artists.
The festival presents a unique blend of cultures, musicians and improvisational music to create a magical and unforgettable musical experience in the heart of the Himalayas. Surya Nepal Jazzmandu has successfully brought many reputed musicians from far and wide to the Nepali capital where an ever-growing audience of jazz enthusiasts and music lovers crave quality music. Jazz has permeated cultures all over the world and Surya Nepal Jazzmandu continues to bring musicians from diverse backgrounds to present their unique and refreshing approach to jazz.
This year, the festival features The Claudia Quintet (USA), Mike del Ferro (The Netherlands), Eliane Amherd (Switzerland), Yaite Ramos Quartet (France), 4th Element (India), and from Nepal: Cademza, Gandharva, Joint Family Internationale, the KJC faculty and the Dhime Girls
For more information about the festival and complete artists profiles log on to www.jazzmandu.org.
- EFNI