Preparation for Global Music Celebration in Springtime
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is set to host its annual Spring Festival of World Music, a celebration of diverse musical traditions from around the globe. This year's festival, taking place in Schoenberg Hall, promises an exciting line-up of student ensembles performing traditional musics from various parts of the world.
The festival kicks off on Friday, May 11, with the Klezmer Music Ensemble performing at 7:00 p.m., followed by the African American Music Ensemble on the same day. The Old-Time String Band will take the stage on Thursday, May 11, offering a mix of spirituals and old-time string band tunes.
On May 19, the Music of India Ensemble and the African American Music Ensemble will perform, showcasing the richness of Indian and African American music. The following day, the Music of Mexico Ensemble will entertain audiences with Mexican traditional music.
The festival continues on May 20, with the Persian Music Ensemble and the Music of Bali Ensemble performing, offering a vibrant cultural exchange from these regions. The Music of Java Ensemble will also perform on May 31, highlighting the rich Javanese cultural traditions.
The festival finale, which took place on June 7 at Lani Hall, featured the Music of Thailand Ensemble and Sphere Project performance. However, the main Schoenberg Hall events for the festival include performances by the Music of Turkey Ensemble on Friday, June 2, and the Music of Java, Thailand, and Korea Ensembles on Saturday, June 3, both at 7:00 p.m.
Throughout the festival, the audience can look forward to witnessing a diverse range of world musical instruments, including the Javanese gamelan, erhu, sitar, tabla, guitarrón, vihuela, 'ud, banjo, concertina, autoharp, atumpan drums, and more. The festival continues the tradition of showcasing world musical instruments from the department's collection, providing a platform for student ensembles to perform and share their mastery of these traditional instruments.
Admission to all concerts is free, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone. The festival offers an opportunity for the UCLA community and the public to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of global music, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. For the most up-to-date and detailed schedule for the current or upcoming years, it is best to consult the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music or Department of Ethnomusicology event pages directly.
The Spring Festival of World Music at UCLA offers an immersive cultural-travel experience, showcasing diverse traditions through travel-inspired performances, including the Music of Mexico Ensemble and the Music of Bali Ensemble. Additionally, the festival caters to entertainment enthusiasts with its inclusive lineup, featuring live music performances by various student ensembles, such as the Klezmer Music Ensemble, the African American Music Ensemble, and the Music of India Ensemble.
