Irwan and friends
Sumatran musicians, Irwansyah Harahap and Rithaony Hutajulu, will give their final performance in Wellington with local musicians on Monday 30 November. The duo are the core of the group Suarasama whose album has recently been named in the top ten best world music albums of the year by organisitions in San Francisco and London. They perform North Sumatran (Malay and Batak) folk songs as well as new compositions drawing on a range of traditions from around the world.
Ritha’s gorgeous vocals are accompanied by her husband on guitar, gambus (Malay seven string lute), hasapi (Toba Batak two-stringed plucked lute), or his own invention, the saz-guitar.
The pair have been in Wellington on a three-month artist residency with WARE (Wellington Asian Residency Exchange), a programme sponsored and organised by the Wellington City Council and Asia:New Zealand Foundation in collaboration with the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM). During that time, they have collaborated with various local musicians and composers.
Their farewell concert on the 30th of November will feature a new compositions by Irwan including one for Javanese gamelan, jews harps, clarinet, bass saxophone and bassoon, as well as premieres of new piano works by Jack Body and John Rae (composer in residence at the NZSM). Guest artists include Dan Poynton (piano), Bryan James (shakuhachi), and Sanjay Dixit (tabla).
Entry is by koha and refreshments will be provided.
The concert starts at 6:30pm.
Adam Concert Room, NZSM, Kelburn Campus (Gate 7)
Member Profile
Gamelan Padhang MoncarGamelan Padhang Moncar is a Javanese percussion ensemble that plays traditional and new music. We are based at the New Zealand School of Music. Formal courses are offered through the university but new members are always welcome to come and have a go, regardless of musical background.
