Music lecturer’s band represents UK at international festival

 

A music lecturer from Swansea has returned from Uzbekistan where his band was invited to represent the UK at a major international music festival sponsored by Unesco.

Dr Peter Stacey, a lecturer in music and music technology at Coleg Sir Gâr in Llanelli plays soprano sax, alto flute and bansuri (Indian flute) with a band called Jadu, which was invited to perform at Sharq Taronalari which is held in the imposing Registan Square in Samarkand.

Jadu, which means magic in Hindi, is crafted by a five-man team who rejoice in the richness of diversity and the power of tradition. Their music is a synthesis of classical Indian music and jazz.

“The main purpose of the festival is the preservation of the traditions of national music,” said Dr Peter Stacey who teaches world music at Coleg Sir Gar. “It’s about sharing musical art and connecting countries and sharing cultures in a unique and magnificent setting and Jadu were thrilled and honoured to be invited to represent the UK.”

Peter added that Samarkand is an ancient and fascinating city on the old Silk Road from China – the medieval communication super-highway which connected east and west and the international music festival is a modern meeting of cultures. “It was a unique experience to hear the musicians from so many cultures, but particularly to hear the groups from central Asia, which we hear so infrequently here in the UK,” said Dr Peter Stacey.

As a former student of classical Indian music, Peter is no stranger to the international music scene. He frequently plays with India Dance Wales and has composed for leading Indian music artists. He’s also been commissioned by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and has worked with Radio One in developing a synthesis of contemporary British-Asian music.

Nikki Neale, head of creative industries at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “We’re delighted that Jadu and Peter could be part of such a prestigious event. He’s extremely talented at what he does and his work in the music industry is highly regarded. This wealth of experience benefits our students immensely and they can learn a great deal from someone so highly experienced and revered in the industry.”