HANDS Percussion’s Kaleidoscope
Since its inception in 2009, HANDS Percussion’s Kaleidoscope series has brought together drummers, percussionists and musicians from all over the world. This month, the biennial event returns to the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) with Unbeatable, which comprises four days of performances, workshops and master classes.
Unbeatable celebrates the undying spirit and enduring passion the performers have for what they do. Featuring renowned percussionists and musicians from Uzbekistan, Australia and South Korea as well as talented home-grown artists, the event aims to facilitate a cultural exchange and introduce different kinds of music to the Malaysian audience.
The international artistes include Abbos Kosimov, who is widely regarded as an ambassador of Uzbek culture and has performed in many countries; Ben Walsh, one of Australia’s most accomplished percussionists who is well known for his one-man shows; and U-Hee Company, a traditionally modern percussion group from South Korea. The local artists include the event organiser HANDS Percussion and Dhol Alliance.
HANDS Percussion is the first and only fully professional and self-funded percussion group in the country, with more than 30 productions to its name. The enduring passion of its members and trend-setting creativity have taken them to many big stages across the country, including the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s Plenary Hall and Dewan Filharmonik Petronas.
The drummers of Dhol Alliance are not newcomers either. Most of the senior drummers in the team have over a decade of experience in dhol entertainment. Dhol refers to a double-headed drum widely used throughout the Indian subcontinent.
The highlight of the festival is a collaborative piece titled Unbeatable, a collaboration by musicians Tan Su Yin, Mat Din, Prakash Kandasamy, Majd Hass, Ng Siu Yee and Leong Kah Miu.
'Unbeatable' will be staged at klpac from Aug 2 to 5 (8.30pm) with a 3pm matinee on Aug 5. Tickets are priced between RM108 to RM228. To find out more, contact [email protected].
