Song of the Jasmine

In India, the jasmine flower traverses the world of man and the world of the gods. This inspired new work freely moves between past and present, composition and improvisation, music and dance, delving into the concept of longing through the lens of recollection, appeal and total surrender. Guided by the rich poems of the Tamil Bhakti poet Andal, Song of the Jasmine embodies the spiritual and the sensual elements that are the lifeblood of the Indian psyche. Mother and daughter choreographic team and famed Bharata Natyam dancers Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy collaborate with jazz saxophonist/composer Rudresh Mahanthappa, known for his uninhibited musical culture-crossing. The score will be performed live by the composer himself with Rajna Swaminathan (UMD alum) on mridangam, Anjna Swaminathan (UMD Alum) on Carnatic violin, Rez Abbasi, guitar and Ramen Kalyan on Carnatic flute. Song of the Jasmine is co-commissioned by The Clarice’s Artist Partner Program.