2011 - 47th Billingham Festival Programme

47th

Billingham International Folklore Festival 6th-13th August 2011

Where dance and cultures of the world unite

www.billinghamfestival.co.uk

World Cultural Ambassadors B

illingham International Folklore Festival have been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery Fund for the World Cultural Ambassadors’ project, which is the theme of the 2011 Festival.

All the primary schools in Billingham and Stockton-on-Tees had been invited to select and research one of the countries invited to the 2011 Festival. The school children were then asked to make paintings reflecting what they had learned about the country's culture and heritage.

Each school then selected the winners and transfered their paintings on to 8’ x 4' wooden boards, which are displayed around the perimeter of the main festival Arena in John Whitehead Park in Billingham during the festival.

The the winners of the competition have been invited to act as “World Cultural Ambassadors” during the Festival. They will spend a day accompanying the international performers during their morning and afternoon concerts, workshops and at meal times, and will carry a banner with their adopted country’s name on parades and presentations, and will present the group on stage alongside the festival compare.

They will be wearing specially-made tracksuits and "World Cultural Ambassador" sashes.

We are hoping that this project will encourage involvement of children in the Festival to develop their appreciation of multiculturalism, dance and music as a universal language, help children improve their confidence, self-esteem, as well as giving them an opportunity to meet and interact with different people from around the world and give children pride in promoting their area and town.

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Welcome to the 47th Festival performers and UK professional dancers and musicians.

Welcome to everyone who contributes to its success, the wonderful performers, who bring us a colourful taste of their own cultures, the dedicated team of hard working volunteers, under the direction of Joe and Olga Maloney, and of course you the audience. Once again we have had our usual setbacks along the way in producing this outstanding event, but in true Festival spirit, these have been overcome, and I am sure that once again with your continuing support, this Festival will go on and on for many years to come.

So please sit back and enjoy a colourful tour around the world.

W

elcome to the 47th Billingham International Folklore Festival.

Thanks to a generous grant by the National Lottery through Arts Council England the 2011 Festival will see the beginning of a new era, introducing new contemporary ideas into the Festival.

Besides the international dance and music groups which this year will come from far and wide, the grant has made it possible for us to create spectacular opening and closing ceremonies, which this year will take place at the Festival Arena in John Whitehead Park. It has also allowed us to extend Festival activities to include British professional artists, musicians and dancers.

We are very excited because for the first time in its history the festival has commissioned a professional choreographer to work with International

Maureen Taylor MBE Festival Chair

A message from Alan Ross I

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Alan Ross Breakfast show presenter, Magic 1170 on AM/MW, DAB digital radio, and online at magic1170.co.uk

'm delighted to have been asked to open the Billingham International Folklore Festival, the 47th year of this marvellous annual event of international co-operation.

It's going to be a fabulous week of music, dance and spectacle from across the globe – made possible by the talent of the performers, the generosity of our sponsors and patrons, and the hard work of the teams of volunteers behind the scenes who make everything happen.

Whatever your age or interest, I'm sure you'll find something to enjoy and get involved with in this year's lineup. And I know our visitors will enjoy the warmest of Teesside welcomes – even though the weather may be cooler than some of them are used to!

Alan Ross 3

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International Youth Dance Workshops Monday, 8th August 2pm-5pm

Costa Rica Belarus Portugal

Thursday, 11th August 2pm-5pm

Panama Georgia South Korea

Friday, 12th August 2pm-4pm

Serbia Hungary

at Northfield School, Marsh House Avenue Site, Billingham Age 77-15

One day attendance - £7

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World Dance Experience

One day attendance - £25

8 sessions package - £100

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at Northfield School, Marsh House Avenue Site, Billingham

Sunday, 7th August

9am 2pm

Belarus Portugal

Monday, 8th August

9am

Georgia

Tuesday, 9th August

9am

Serbia

Wednesday, 10th August

9am

South Korea

Thursday, 11th August

9am

Panama

Friday, 12th August

9am 2pm

Hungary Costa Rica

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BILLINGHAM FESTIVAL AT THE ARC ARTS CENTRE

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The organisers would like to thank the following for their support:

DEVEREUX

TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBUTION

Britannia Devereux of Cleveland

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THE ORGANISERS WOULD LIKE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT: PLATINUM PATRONS

DONATIONS:

● David Clarke, Stockton on Tees

● Peter Elsdon, Middlesbrough ● Leslie Martin Laing, Chester-le-Street ● David Otter, Billingham

● Peter John Haslett, Redcar ● Mr & Mrs Ellis, Billingham

GOLD PATRONS

● Sonja Constance Caire Dobbie, Elwick

● Sharon Ford, Billingham

● Elizabeth Quest, Elwick

BILLINGHAM FESTIVAL VIRTUAL MUSEUM In early September 2010 we received a generous grant of from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) towards our project “The Legacy of Billingham Festival”. This grant enables us to collect the memories of those who have organised, volunteered and performed here over the years.

Over the next three years, from now until 2014, these historic memoirs, together with all the videos, photographs, brochures and Festival programmes will be built into a huge and permanent computer archive (Virtual Festival Museum) making it accessible to all.

To create the virtual museum we need your help!

Everyone who has ever been to the Festival, has their own memories which we’d like you to share with us.

To do so, you can write to us at the Festival office, email us or send us your stories through our Website by submitting them through our “Message Board”.

If you have any of the old Festival photographs, video footage or old festival programmes or posters you would like to donate to our Festival archives we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please get in touch, we are waiting to hear from you!

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BELARUS Dance Ensemble “Radost”

Created in 1962 in Brest, Folk Dance Ensemble “Radost” (“Joy”) has developed to become one of the best Folk Dance Ensembles in Belarus and has since delighted the audiences all over the world.

The unique repertoire, vivid and original costumes, a combination of grace, precision and unbelievable energy of the dancers contribute to the well-deserved success of the Ensemble. In 2002 the company was awarded the honorary title “An Honourable Amateur Ensemble of the Republic of Belarus”. These achievements are very much due to the artistic leadership of the outstanding choreographer Anatoly Vorobiov.

The repertoire of Radost Ensemble includes not only the dance pieces from Belarus, but also dances from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and famous Cossack Dances.

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C O STA R I C A Grupo “Tiquicia”

The association “Dances and traditions of Costa Rica” TIQUICIA GROUP, was founded in 1999 with the aim to promote the richness, variety and cultural identity of their country, keeping alive the legends, ceremonies, traditions and customs of Costa Rica, through the universal language of dance, music and song.

The Group is recognized by the ministry of culture or Costa Rica and has performed at various events and festivals in Latin America and all over the World.

They bring with them a 10-piece music band playing vibrant Caribbean and South American Rhythms.

Hans Leitón Gutiérrez, President of the “Costa Rican Dances and Traditions Association”, and Director of “Tiquicia Folkloric Group”, is the official CIOFF delegate of Costa Rica.

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GEORGIA National Ensemble “Georgian Folklore”

The National Ensemble “Georgian Folklore” was founded in October 25, 1984, at Tbilisi State Medical University. The founders of the Ensemble are Badri Matchavariani and Gela Mgeladze. Since 1984 Ensemble has participated in Festivals all over the world. In October 25, 1986, on the Tbilisoba Celebration Festival the Ensemble was awarded the I. Sukhishvili Prize for the best choreography, in 1994 the Georgian Ministry of Culture awarded Ensemble the honour name “National Ensemble” – just one of many honours to follow.

The Group’s Dance Repertoire includes such dances as KARTULI – the dance based on love between a man and a woman which expresses the great respect of Georgian men to women, KHORUMI – dance full of fighting spirit, reflecting the anciant battle times, NARNARI – women's dance which demonstrates the grace and beauty of the Georgian women and many other dance pieces.

Over the years, we have had many Georgian groups who have entertained us with their grace, beauty and sheer energy but this group promises to be one of the best.

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HUNGARY “Alba Regia” Dance Association Alba Regia dance Ensemble was founded in 1949 and since then received numerous awards for its achievements, including “Outstanding Ensemble” award, which is the highest prize in Hungary and “European Award in Folk Arts”, the most prestegious award in Folk Arts given by FVS-Foundation in Hamburg.

The repertoire of Alba Regia includes dances and songs from almost all regions of Hungary. The group has successfully toured all over Europe, North America, Canada, China and India. With their colourful costumes and choreographed dances they have been praised by audiences all over the World.

Alba Regia Dance Ensemble Senior Group has been established in 1999 upon the 50th Anniversary of the Ensemble. It consists of dancers who are over 30 years old, including the founders of the Ensemble.

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PANAMA Academia de Proyecciones Folkloricas Jose A. Corella R. Academia de Proyecciones Folkl贸ricas Jos茅 A. Corella R. is located in David City, in the Province of Chiriqui, Republic of panama, 440 kilometers or six hours driving from Panama City.

The Academy was founded in 1987 with the students of the Academy. Today it has more than one hundred students aged between 5 and 35 years olds.

The main project of the group is to promote their customs, traditions, music and dances at a national and international level.

The group has performed in Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina, Hungary, Italy, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.

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PORTUGAL As Lavradeiras de Arcozelo Santa Maria Adelaide

This is a group coming from "Terras da Feira" or "Terras de Santa Maria". It was a land enriched by pilgrimages, known by its fields and beaches, cultivation of vineyards and great, famous and ancient cellars of Port Wine.

Their repertoire consists of songs and dances traditionally performed during pilgrimage or on hot summer nights under the moonlight.

The group has been received by H. H. the Pope John Paul II, in the Vatican, it was honoured and rewarded for its artistic value, by being selected to participate at the Expo'98 Closing Ceremony.

Arcozelo., there remains the venerated Santa Maria Adelaide, the Patroness of this group and the inspiration of its name,

The "Lavradeiras" (country-women) collected ancient authentic dances of the region and now they preserve and spread their very rich, and still evolving, cultural, ethnographic and folklore traditions. "Lavradeiras" was also the first in Portugal to organize world folklore festivals.

"As Lavradeiras de Arcozelo - Santa Maria Adelaide" is one of the most Internationaltravelled folklore music and dance groups in Portugal.

They have represented Portugal at CIOFF Festivals in 21 countries all over the Europe.

In a very small and modest chapel in Vila de 17

SERBIA Folklore Ensemble “Hajduk Stanko” The folklore ensemble "HAJDUK STANKO" was founded in the autumn of 2001 as an informal group of enthusiasts and admirers of folk art, traditional song, dance and the customs of Serbian people. Over the years the Ensemble has grown and grown and now has a children’s section, as well as youth and adult sections. This well- travelled group over the year’s has participated in most of the major festivals in Europe and has collected many accolades along the way.

I am sure that this group will delight us in their performances and bring back many memories of festivals gone by.

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SOUTH KOREA Lee Eun Joo Dance Company We are very pleased this year to present Lee Eun Joo Dance Company. This company through their enthusiasm and artistic approach has achieved worldwide recognition.

Their repertoire includes such audience favourite dance pieces as Sangmu where the men twirl great white loops of ribbon attached to their colourful headwear, a stunning fan dance and the spectacular drum dance which requires exact timing and precision of the graceful performers.

The group’s repertoire also includes ritual and religious dances in extremely colourful and ancient costumes.

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UNITED KINGDOM Keira Martin Thanks to a generous grant by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, for the first time in its history, in cooperation with Dance City, the National Dance Agency for the North East of England, Billingham festival is commissioning a professional choreographer Keira Martin to work with International performers participating in the Festival and UK professional dancers and musicians, who, using a combination of dance styles to accumulate the richness of traditional dance cultures from all over the World, with modern contemporary dance, will choreograph three dance performance pieces, which will be premiered at the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 6th August 2011 and the Closing Ceremony on Saturday, 13th August 2011. One of the dance pieces will be performed to live music by World Music Band “Mishaped Pearls”.

dance. It is refreshing to watch an artist who has a genuinely individual voice. Her work is not just choreography it is about attitude, honesty, commitment and, not least, an extraordinary performance” Brendan Keaney (Greenwich Dance Agency).

Keira Martin is well known for creating a new approach to contemporary dance, based on roots in traditional Irish Dance.”Keira Martin has brought something very special to Irish 20

UNITED KINGDOM Mishaped Pearls The brainchild of guitarist and songwriter Ged Flood and classically-trained mezzo soprano Manuela Schuette, Mishaped Pearls’ sound is a unique contemporary blend of classical, folk and world music, inspired by the colourful world of the Baroque from where the group takes its name. (‘Misshapen pearl’ is a literal translation of the word ‘Baroque’.)

As well as being the silky voice of the group, Manuela draws on her love of ancient poetry by researching and providing most of the lyrics to the songs, which cross many countries, visiting France, Italy, Spain, the UK and even Ancient China. They are joined by five versatile musicians: Andrew on keys, Amelie on bass, Sean on guitar, banjo and mandolin, Naomi on cello and Calie on hand drums and percussion.

Their reputation as an astonishing live band has grown in the last year, gaining recognition from Tom Robinson, Kelli Ali and even Damon Albarn. It was also Tom Robinson who personally invited them to perform at the “BBC Introducing: Fresh On The Net Festival” at the Riverside Studios in London to celebrate and showcase the best acts from the last three years of his radio show.

In 2010 as well as appearing at a number of music and folk festivals Mishaped Pearls toured France to great reviews in the regional press. Already there has been enquiries from Italy and a return to France.

“Seeing Mishaped Pearls for the first time live at The Slaughtered Lamb, I was hypnotized by their poetry and beauty … their live shows are mesmerizing.” Kelli Ali – Spiral Earth Magazine “Astonishing” – Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music 21

UNITED KINGDOM Alma de Tango Jenny Francis & Ricardo Oria Alma de Tango (pictured right), led by Latin-American singer Patrissia Cuberos, plays an exotic fiery blend of tango, flamenco, gypsy and classical music while remaining true to the essence of tango.

Alma de Tango Quartet: Patrissia Cuberos – solo singer; Artistic Director; Liz Cowdrey – violin/viola; Matthew Sullivan – guitar and cajon; and Matt Watson – double bass.

Based in Edinburgh, since 2002, Jenny Frances and Ricardo Oria have developed an international reputation teaching and dancing throughout Europe and at the most prestigious milongas in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

They have a strong foundation of study for their dance, from which they build creatively, moved and inspired by the music and the subtle yet powerful conversation within the embrace. Jenny and Ricardo seek tango's timeless elements. Always creative, always tango, their exploratory approach is in tune with the dance’s improvised nature; innovative developments from original roots.

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UNITED KINGDOM Caliche Since their first appearance at the 1986 Billingham Festival, Caliche have been one of the leading groups promoting the music and culture of South America in Britain.

Caliche plays instruments such as panpipes, flutes, charangos and mandolins, which evoke the magic of the breath-taking Altiplano scenery, cradle of the Inca civilisation. The wind instruments of the South American cultures, the strings of the Spaniards and the rhythms of the coastal black communities have combined to produce one of the world’s richest folk traditions.

The group has performed at major festivals such as Womad, the Three Choirs Festival, Cheltenham and Billingham, as well as major events in Denmark, Portugal, Cyprus and Italy. Caliche regularly appears at art centres and theatres throughout the country and has recorded for both television and radio, especially in the field of education.

Caliche does more than just perform their vibrant music, as audiences are invited to familiarise themselves with an impressive collection of Andean instruments, the origins of which are explained during performances.

Caliche has produced five albums. The CD ‘Music of the Andes’ was well reviewed by Folk Roots and CD Review magazines. The group has been featured with the best South American ensembles in the album ‘Andean Legacy’ released in the USA.

UNITED KINGDOM Richmond Town Pipes and Drums The Richmond Town Pipes and Drums were formed in 2002.

The idea was that a pipe band would be a useful addition to the musical and cultural life of Richmond, North Yorkshire.

The band now appears regularly at functions in and around Richmond and adjoining counties, having the reigning Mayor as their President.

Their goal is to promote Scottish culture and music in the region, and to attract, train and retain the highest calibre bagpipe and drummer musicians. In addition, they are committed to excellence in tuition and performance, providing very low-cost tuition on the bagpipes and drums.

Wilf Alexander Caribbean Steel Band Wilf Alexander and his Caribbean Steel Band have been to Billingham Festival many times in the past and they always bring that special Festive atmosphere with them.

They've been performing together for many years at festivals and events, always creating a lively, sunny atmosphere!

Billingham Silver Band The band started its life back in 1941 as part of the Stockton Home Guard It is led by Director of Music, Vaughan Evans.

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T H E N E XT F E ST I VA L 2 01 2 The dates of the 48th Billingham International Folklore Festival 2012 will be announced at a later date.

For further details or to join our mailing list please contact the Festival office or visit our website: billinghamfestival.co.uk

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FESTIVAL PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEES

Ald. Maureen Taylor, M.B.E. Festival Chairperson

Mr Joe Maloney Festival Director Secretary General CIOFF UK

Mr David Otter Festival Treasurer

Mrs Olga Maloney Artistic Director President of CIOFF Northern European Sector

Mr. Edmond Beaumont BIFF Ltd. Director

The Worshipful The Mayor of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees Councillor Paul Baker Festival President

Miss Elizabeth Croot BIFF Ltd Director

Mr. Rob Teale Arena Director 26

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