AATMA TRIO performs Mustang's track in Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory
The Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC) was inaugurated by Dr.Gene Aitken in the presence of US Ambassador to Nepal Nancy J Powell and music enthusiasts on 09 June at its premises in Patan.
The US Ambassador Powell introduced Dr. Gene Airken as the US Cultural Envoy. Dr. Airken received the United States’ top jazz education honour by being given the Jazz Educator of the Year 2007 award by Downbeat magazine. At the program, he donated instruments and materials to the school.
Besides that, he will also contribute two weeks of his time to the institute. He will be conducting a music teacher training at K.J.C. He will work on teaching choirs, coaching ensembles, doing private lessons, managing workshops, among other schedules. He will also conduct a 10-day workshop for over 50 music teachers, Nepali jazz educators, and conduct a permanent Nepali big band.
Those running the KJC assure that the outcome will be reflected in the KJC monthly concerts series which is slated to take place on June 23.
Kutumba, a Nepali instrumental band, did the opening act and presented the fusion of carious traditional Nepali music instruments. Likewise, the Hindustani classical music group, Aatma trio, presented the track of Team Work film Productions latest documentary Mustang (Secrets beyond the Himalayas) their instrumental numbers incorporating the sounds of ghatam, chaturangi and Tabala.
Mariano E. Abelo, Principal of KJC, said, " It’s been more than half a year since we established KJC but we are inaugurating it now as a lot of people know about this music institute. It makes sense, KJC is being recognized by people as it is working hard to uplift Nepali Music”.
Likewise, Nirakar Yakthumba of 1974 AD Band said, “We are very glad to receive support from everyone. It feels even great to realize that our work has been appreciated and recognized by every field, including the US Embassy in Kathmandu. The more love and support KJC will get, the more it will flourish to help Nepali.
