KATHMANDU:

Though the weather did not support an outdoor musical performance, the chill did not stop children from singing their hearts out. It is a universal truth that the festival season is best enjoyed by children and proving that once again Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory 2008 Concert series VII focused on the festive mood and the audience got to watch the youngest students of KJC perform Christmas carols. The afternoon of December 20 saw parents, children, music lovers, corporate honchos and people of different walks of life coming together at KJC to enjoy a laid back Saturday afternoon with jazz music and relish Christmas goodies.

The fund raiser was organised by KJC not only to support and encourage its student to perform and enjoy their music but also to welcome Christmas. The catering was done by the students’ parents was a huge success. Though the concert was scheduled to start at 12:30 pm it started much later, but no one was complaining.

Soon Jaco van der Dool got his Kids Class on the stage. The children all excited to be on stage and sing in front of their parents, few repeatedly said “hello” into the microphone to which Jaco said, “Well I was expecting that.”

First they performed When the saints sing, sing sing with percussion improvisation followed by The lion sleeps tonight. After the very interesting performance by the Kids Class, performances by Jan Fadnes’ Studio, Close Harmony Group, Marloe Oudeman’s Studio, Mariano Abello’s Studio, KJC Choir and many more artistes followed.

At the event KJC also announced the formation of Nepal’s first ever Jazz Big Band, one of its kind in South Asia and consists of KJC students, Nepali rock musicians and expatriates into music. Funds generated from the event will be used to obtain an Upright Piano from Spain for special piano lesson for the students. — HNS