.:. World Festival of Sacred Music .:.

LA's EMERGING VOICES

Witness the powerful and exhilarating virtuosity of our city’s youth.

Live in concert for the first time! Four of LA's leading and most creative youth ensembles come together in a rare performance of spiritual music and dance traditions from Hawaii Halau Keali'i O Nalani; India Shakti School of Bharatanatyam; Mexico Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando; and USA Crenshaw High School Elite Choir. The concert will transport audiences from ancient ritual Hawaiian chants and movement to classical dance from the temple traditions of South India; from the bold sounds of Mariachi violins, trumpets and guitars; to the energy and heart felt emotion of African American Gospel.

Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando
Lead Instructor: Jesus Guzman with instructors Sergio Alonso, Juan Halcon and Martin Padilla Video
Founded by our own NEA National Heritage Awardee "Nati" Cano, the City of San Fernando Mariachi Master Apprentice Program is unique in our region. The program trains any young person interested in learning the rich musical tradition of Mariachi. A team of four professional musicians trains youth in all instruments. In its eight years of history, the program has won many awards and launched many young careers in music. Photo by Marcos Torres

Shakti School of Bharatanatyam
Director, Viji Prakash Video
Acknowledged as powerful visionary and creative artist, Viji Prakash has been teaching Bharatanatyam in Los Angeles for 30 years. Impeccable technique and innovative choreography has earned this ensemble high esteem both here and in India. Shakti Dance Company is one of the largest schools in the United States, the youth group on this program represent only one part of this precious cultural resource of Los Angeles.

Halau Keali'i O Nalani Youtube
Director: Kealii Ceballos
Keali'i Ceballos is a nationally recognized master teacher (Kumu) of ancient and contemporary Hula. His deep cultural understanding of Hawaii informs and inspires both his creative vision and his technical realization of this art form. Kumu Hula Keali'i Ceballos inherited his knowledge from his mother, legendary teacher Cissylani Ceballos. While Halau Keali'i O Nalani is not located on the islands, dancers and chanters aspire to integrate the spirit of Aloha into their Los Angeles based lives. Photo by Gifford Sun

Crenshaw High School Elite Choir
Director: Dr. Iris Stevenson Listen
Prof. Stevenson, a major artistic force in LA, has dedicated her life to nurturing the musical talent that passes through Crenshaw High School. A gifted composer and educator she has trained and inspired thousands of singers over the years. Her approach to gospel is complex and relevant to our times. From West African Yoruba call-response songs to rapid fire Step Dancing, she gives her choir the opportunity to develop their full potential as citizens of the world.

Over 100 young musicians and dancers will be brought together in this 2008 Festival Program. Earlier in February these groups participated in an exciting daylong retreat on the UCLA campus. Their lively interaction and open-hearted sharing brought neighborhoods, cultures, and art forms together. Outstanding in their technical accomplishments they carry forward a living heritage. We present them together as the emerging voices of our city.

World Festival of Sacred Music- Los Angeles (Sept 13-28. 2008)
1,000 artists,16 days, 40 events www.festivalofsacredmusic.org
"one of the planets biggest and most intriguing world music festivals." New York Times
With the success of the 1999, 2002 and 2005 World Festival of Sacred Music-Los Angeles (WFSM-LA), a powerful coalition of arts, faith, cultural, community, and environmental groups announce the fourth WFSM-LA. A sixteen-day, 40 event, city wide celebration of the rich sacred music traditions of Los Angeles designed to bring together people from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. WFSM-LA was initiated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a means to promote mutual understanding and cooperation.


2005 Gallery Program History Festival Organizers Board of Directors Music Committee Pillar Partners 2008 Supporters Donate Corporate Sponsorship Buy WFSM CD and DVD Host Festival house party Volunteer 2008 Festival Calendar (Coming Soon) Emerging Voices

Daylong retreat at UCLA. Photo by Jorge Vismara