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long history of involvement rruith the arts in the North East. Support for regional theatres, \/vriters, painters and film-makers is a cornerstone of our prograrnming policy. Tyne Tees Television has
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IVTORE PEOPLE
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Bil
lingham lnternational Folklore Festival August 14th to21st 1993
Festival Committee President: The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees
Councillor J. Vaughan Chairman: Councillor H. L. Davies, M.B.E.
Organised by the Festival Committee in conj u nction with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, who give a cash grant and provide considerable services. Affiliated to the lnternational Council of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art (C.I.O.F.F.).
Vice-Chairman: Other main sponsors: County Councillor Mrs. M. Taylor; M.B.E., J.P. lCl on Teesside
Director: Mrs. R. Conroy Councillor Miss E. L. Croot County Councillor
E.
Wood
Mr. D. Brewer
Northern Arts Visiting Arts Phillips Petroleum (UK) Ltd. Stockton & Billingham College of Further Education
Mr. M. R. Bryan Mr. M. Hodgson Mrs. S. Lawson Mr. B. Lightfoot
Mr. l. Russell Miss M. Potts
Mr. K. Sidney Mr. G. Watson Hon. Treasurer: Mr. S. P. Kirkham
Admin. Officer : Mrs. A. Watson Mr. M. Monument: Northern Arts
Considerable support also has been received from: BASF, Billingham Youth & Community Centre, Billingham Arms, Boyes Stores, Castle Centre, Cleveland Centre, Dickens Hypermarkets, Dunnes Stores, English Estates North, Fine Organics, Samsung Electronics (UK), Teesside Development Corporation, Tioxide, Travelwise Billingham, Tyne Tees Television.
Welcome to the 29th Festival and a superb week of entertainment. Director, Rita Conroy, has once again drawn together, from all corners of the world, an excellent selection of groups. The mixture of established favourites and new experiences as Albania, Jamaica, the Philippines and South Africa are represented here for the first time, will ensure that Billingham once more will be transformed during this week of festival. A festival of this size and complexity cannot be mounted without a great deal of work and effort on the part of many people, most of whom work on a voluntary basis. Without these devoted workers the Festival would not happen, and my thanks and those of the Festival Committee go to each and everyone of them. Finance, too, is important, and we have been fortunate to have the strong backing of our local authority, Stockton Borough Council. lt is particularly pleasing, too, that this year Councillor Jim Vaughan, a Festival Committee member and stalwart, is Stockton's Mayor and the Festival President. Local industry and commerce have continued to give generous support to the Festival. lt is, therefore, appropriate that the opener this year will be Soon Young Kwon, Managing Director of Samsung Manufacturing (UK) Ltd., whose factory is in Billingham. Samsung, a South Korean firm which came to Billingham in 1987 to manufacture microwave ovens, immediately became a Festival sponsor. Today you can purchase Festival Draw tickets and win one of the colour televisions that they now make here and have kindly donated.
ln a world still saddened by strife and conflict, by the end of this week, I hope that here in Billingham we will once more have experienced true international friendship and understanding and had a wonderful week of entertainment.
Chairman of the Festival Harry Davies M.B.E.
The Festival President, The Worshipful the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees Councillor Jim Vaughan
Mr Soon Young Kwon Managing Director of Samsung Electronics UK Ltd.
Daily Programme Friday, August 13th 10.00 a.m. COLLEGE THEATRE Ooeninq of the Children's Club.
Sponsoied by the Castle Centre' On every day except Sunday. Admission by MembershiP. Card f 1.50 (including badge). Details from Festival Office. Saturday, August 14th 1.00 p.m. TOWN CENTRE ARENA CashelCeili Band 1.45 p.m. PARADE TO TOWN CENTRE
2.30 p.m. OPENING CEREMONY & CONCERT
Sponsored bY lCl on Teesside' All
groups from abroad. Billingham Silver Band. Fidlers FancY Womens Morris. 7.30 p.m. to Midnight COLLEGE THEATRE
CElLlwith the Waggoners Folk Dance Band. Caller - Brian Padgett' Fidlers Fancy Womens Morris. Albania. Enalish, lrish and Scottish dancing for all. Licensed Bar. Admission f2.50. 7.30 p.m. FORUM THEATRE Ooeninq Theatre Concert sponsored Ov Ptritt6s Petroleum (UK) Ltd. .tamaica, Armenia, Korea, Estonia Egypt, The Philippines, South Africa, Russia.
Sunday, August 15th 11.00 a.m. to 3.3O P.m. JOHN WHITEHEAD PARK FUN SUNDAY - See Children's Activities page for further details' 2.30 p.m. PARADE From College through Park to Town centre.
3.00 p.m. TOWN CENTRE Concert with all grouPs from
abroad. 7.30 p.m. FORUM THEATRE Concert sponsored by Fine Organics' Spain, Estonia - Albania, Jamaica. Monday, August'l5th 2.30 p.m. TOWN CENTRE Concert sPonsored bY English Estates North. South Africa, Estonia,
Albania, EgYPt. 7.30 p.m. - 11.00 P.m. COLLEGE THEATRE
lnternational Dance Evening with Jamaica, Estonia & Albania.
Participation with groups. Licensed Bar. Admission f2.50. 7.30 p.m. FORUM THEATRE Concert sponsored bY Tioxide Europe Ltd. South Africa, EgYPt Armenia, The PhiliPPines' Tuesday, August 17th 2.30 p.m. TOWN CENTRE Concert sPonsored bY Dunnes Stores. Spain, Korea, Albania, Russia, Jamaica, EgYPt, Armenia. 7.30 p.m. FORUM THEATRE Concert sPonsored bY Travelwise Billingham. Jamaica, Korea - SPain, Russia.
WednesdaY, August 18th 2.30 p.m. TOWN CENTRE Concert sponsored bY Dickens Hvoermarkets. South Africa, EgYPt, eitbnia, Korea, Jamaica, Russia, Spain, The PhiliPPines. 7.30 P.m. COLLEGE THEATRE Concert: Russia, SPain - Korea, Jamaica. 7.30 p.m. FORUM THEATRE Concert sPonsored bY BASF- South Africa, The PhiliPPines - EgYPt, Estonia.
Thursday, August 19th 2.30 p.m. TOWN CENTRE
Concert: The PhiliPPines, Albania, South Africa, Armenia. 7.30 p.m. COLLEGE THEATRE Famiiy Concert. South Africa, Estonia - fhe ehilippines, Armenia. (Families 3 or more, 50P Per seat' Single seats, 7sP)' 7.30 p.m. FORUM THEATRE Concert sPonsored bY Samsung Electronics UK. Albania, Russia Spain, Korea. Friday, August 20th 2.30 p.m. TOWN CENTRE Concert sponsored bY Cleveland Centre. Spain, Korea, Estonia, Egypt' 7.30 p.m. COLLEGE THEATRE The Philip Conroy Memorial Concert sponsored by Tyne Tees Television' Gala Concert. All grouPs from
abroad. 7.30 p.m. FORUM THEATRE
Gala Concert. All grouPs from
abroad. SaturdaY, August 21st 2.00 p.m. PARADE TO TOWN CENTRE
2.30 p.m. TOWN CENTRE Farewell concert sponsored by Boyes Stores. All grouPs from abroad and the Curran School of lrish Dancing' Presentation of Pennants. lnternational Farandole. 7.30 p.m. TOWN CENTRE Concert by Billingham Silver Band, Marie Littie, The Curran School of lrish Dancing 8.45 p.m. TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION Starting from College led by Newton Aycliffe PiPe Band. S.rS p.m. CLOSING CEREMONY With the Billingham Silver Band followed at 10.00 P.m. bY the Firework Display in John Whitehead Park sponsored bY Samsung Electronics UK Ltd
PRTCES OF
ADMISS|ON 1993
Sat. Evening 21st Aug.
All Seats
Adult f3.00 f2.50 f2.s0 f 1.00 f.2.75 f.2.75 f2.50 fr.00 f2.00 f '1.50 f 1.50 f 1.00 f 1.50
Monday 15th only
Stand A/B/C Stand D
f0.75* f0.50*
Sta llVCircle
f5.50 f4.50
TOWN CENTRE
Saturday l4th August
Sunday, Tuesday
Wed. & Sat.2lst
Thurs. 19th & Fri.20th
Seat Stand A Stand B Stand C Stand D Stand A Stand B Stand C Stand D Stand A Stand B Stand C STand D
Child/OAP
f2.50 f 1.50 f 1.50
f0.50
COLLEGE THEATRE Ceili - Saturday
All All All All
Friday Gala Concert
Balcony/Front
f1.50 f0.50 f 1.00 f 1.00 f 1.00
f0.s0 f 1.00
f2.50
f2.50 f 1.50* Families of 3 or more - 50p each Single seats 75p each
Stalls
[::l'f,:ll?"'
f2.25 f r.so
Seats Seats Seats Seats
lnt. Dance Evening-Mon. Wednesday Thursday
[6.50*
f? 33;
BAD WEATHER ARRANGEMENTS ln the event of inclement weather, there will be no torchliqht procession and the Closing Ceremony will be held in the College Theaire. The first 400 tickets sold will transfer to this venue. lf the weather prevents the start of any outside concert that concert will be held in the College Theatre on Sunday, Thursday and Friday. On both Saturdays, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the concert will be held in the Fo-rum and College Theatre. Ticket holders are guaranteed a performance, but if an outside concert starts and has to be abandoned, no re{und will be made.
FORUM THEATRE
Saturday 14th Sunday, Monday Wednesday & Thursday Tuesday Friday Gala Concert
Balcony/Circle StallVCircle Balcony/Circle
All Seats StallYCircle Balcony/Circle
f 5.00
f4.00 2 for f5.00* f7.00* f5.50*
KPFOODSGROUP
THE EMPLOYEES OF KP FOODS CRISP EACTORY WISH THE 2?IhBILLINGHAM INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL EVERY SUCCESS MAKERS OF CRISPS,NUTS, SNACKS GOWPEN LANE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, MAGKLIN AVENUE, BILLINGHAM, CLEVELAND TS23 4DU
THE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE WOUL
STOCKTON-ON.TEES BOROUGH COUNCIL Serving: BILLINGHAM
o
Parks, allotments & open spaces
o o
Museums & Art Gallery Swimming Pools & Sports Centres Festivals, playschemes and events
o a
Refuse collection
. STOCKTON.THORNABY. YARM . & AREA O Community charge a Street sweeping &
O O O O O
cleansing
o o O
o o
Markets Cemeteries Road Safety Car parks Housing benefits
for
Stockton supported
bj
NORTHERN
House renovation grants Warden call service Planning & Building Environmental improvements Architecturalservices
tgt
PeoPle
Billing@
COLLEGE, of Further Education
TEESS'DE O'U Working Together in the Community
NA
Visiting Arts
LIKE TO THANK ITS SPONSORS
.&. {+ (7fi2
H
CLEVELAND CENTRE MIDDLESBROUGH
CASTLE
CENTRE
ffi
ENGLISH ESTATES
trffi Billingham
TEEslslDE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
BASF
Billingham Arms Hotel
YOUTH DANCE WORKSHOPS group and will The workshops will be held in the College Music Room. Tuesday's workshop is for the 13 to 21 age feature the Jamaican group. The Estoniin group will attend the wednesday workshop for 5 to 12year olds. The director performance. Further details and is claire Deighton e. rd. rhe cost will be f4.50, which includes a ticket to the afternoon square. Town in the office Festival the from application iorms can be obtained
NOTICES
Firework Display in the John This final event of the Festival is generously sponsored by Samsung Electronics uK Ltd. and will commence, 10pm. 21st August at park, of Saturday, the evening on Ceremony Closing after the Whitehead
Friends of the Festival Membership is open to single adults or couples and their children. Annual fees: Single Adults - f 5; Adult Couples f7 -5o; (under 16) f2. Child
Benefits:
O o
pRlORlTy BOOKINGS for three days prior to the normal opening of the Box Office. BI-ANNUAL NEWSLETTER from the Director in November/December and March keeping you intouch with Festival
preparations.
O O
FREE SOUVENIR PROGRAMME. FREE CHILDREN'S CLUB MEMBERSHIP
for under
12's.
Dates of the 1994 Festival Next year's Festival will commence on 13th August and end on Saturday, 20th August.
Forum lnterval Drinks Forum patrons are strongly advised to order interval drinks on their arrival at the theatre.
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES The Children's Club meets each morning in the College Theatre from 1Oam until Friday, 20th August, except on Sunday, August 'l 5th.
to 11am commencing on Friday, 13th August
Stockton & Billingham College drama students will provide the entertainment and the groups listed below for the library
will also appear at the Children's Club.
Membership, f 1.50, which includes the cost of a badge, can be applied for at the Festival Office in the Municipal Buildings in the Town Centre or at the Theatre on club days.
FUN SUNDAY 1 5th August in the John Whitehead Park commencing at 'l 1am and finishing at 3.30pm. Children's rides; kite making; stalls; steam organ; exhibitions; model car racing; bands.
Sunday
Please note that the Children's Fancy Dress Competition
will commence
at 1pm. The "Caprice" puppet theatre from Moscow will appear at 11am and 2pm and the "Grinnigogs", a street theatre group will appear at 12.15pm,2pm and 3pm.
ROSEBERRY BRANCH LIBRARY Each morning the activities will start at 11am with folk stories followed by the visits from the groups for song, dance etc. with the children participating.
Friday
August 'l3th
ARMENIA
Saturday
August 14th
EGYPT
Monday
August 16th
ALBANIA
Tuesday
August 17th
SPAIN
Wednesday
August 18th
JAMAICA
Thursday
August 18th
KOREA
Friday
August'l9th
SOUTH AFRICA
There will be handicraft sessions each afternoon from 2.30 until 3.30pm.
9
I
ALBANIA FOLKLORE ENSEMBLE "TIRANA" . TIRANA, ALBANIA We are pleased to welcome Albania's first rePresentation at
our Festival. "Tirana" was formed in 1985 to preserve the artistic customs of Albania. The group's rePertoire includes traditional music, songs and dances from all pans of the
country as well as the region around Tirane. The musicians will be playing a varietY of instruments. The ensemble is recognised as one of the most talented in the
country. ln spite of economic and -" -' ' ":" rc"Mffii::"' political restrictions, the members l France and Poland' in Germany, of Tirana have participated in a number of major folklore festivals of Geisu Thirty-three artistes willform the ensemble, which is participating with the generous co-operation Bashi, General Director of the Palace of Culture in Tirana' Accompanying the group will be the chief of culture, Mr. Buron Kaccli. Director of the Ensemble: MR. MARKO HOBDARI
Artistic Director: DASHAMIR LEKA Choreographer: AGRON MUJKA group. The Festival will receive a Visiting Arts Country Project Award in respect of this
ARMENIA FOLKLORE ENSEMBLE "GHEGARD" - YEREVAN, ARMENIA The Ghegard Ensemble was founded in 1981 in a smalltown named Abovyan, which is close to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
The founder of the ensemble was chief ballet master Mr. Albert Kisiryan, who is
now the group's artistic director. The group takes its name from a
medieval cloister, Ghegard, which situated in the mountains.
is
The national and original features of dancing and musical art from all regions
of Armenia determine the group's artistic presentation. Perfecting skills and searching for new and original methods of expressing their artistic ideals has incurred the group in a great deal of persistent and intensive work. The endeavours, however, have been rewarded. The excellence of their performances and presentation is much acclaimed at home and abroad.
"Ghegard" has an extensive repertoire of dances which express charm, tenderness, pride, anger, courage and generosity. The ensemble's instrumental group includes original folk instruments named doodook, parcaozuk, reed pipe, dool, zurna, oud, kymancha and kanon. Dr. Bella Malitskaja, a well known folklorist, will accompany the group
to Billingham.
Artistic Director: MR. ALBERT KISIRYAN Director of Ensemble: MR. EDUARD ASHIGOV
The Festival
will receive a Visiting Arts Country Project Award in respect of this Armenian
Ensemble.
11
t
EGYPT
THE AMERICA UNIVERSIry IN CAIRO FOLKLORE ENSEMBLE The A.U.C. Folklore grouP under
the supervision of the American University in Cairo, directed by Mrs. Khafaga, has been awarded first prize in the National Universities Cultural competitions for the last eight years. Sixteen other universities participated in the competitions. The ensemble is widely travelled, having visited Jordan, Poland, Holland, West Germany, Luxembourg, Spain and ltalY.
Although we have featured other Egyptian ensembles in Billingham, this is the first visit of the A.U.C. Ensemble.
The group has earned many folkloric awards and an excellent reputation for their performances. The group will bring 26 dancers, 4 singers and 8 musicians to Billingham. Musical instruments will include The 6ud, the Nay (J wooden flute), the Doholla, the Tabla, the Mozman and the Anoun. Their dance and song repertoire will feature items from many regions of Egypt.
Director: DR. AZIZA KHAFAGA
Artistic Director: AMR HEIKAL Conductor: DR. HUSSEIN ESSAWI The Festival will receive a Visiting Arts Country Project Award in respect of this Egyptian Ensemble.
12
BILLINGHAM !993 - GROUPS & ARTISTES The Guaranteed support of lCl on Teesside has enabled the Festival Committee to maintain the high standard of visiting groups.
ALBANIA
FolkloreEnsemble'Tirana'Tirana
ARMENIA
Folklore Ensemble "Ghegard" . Yerevan
EGYPT ESTONIA
The American University in Cairo Folklore Ensemble - Cairo Folk Dance Group "Soprus" -
Tallinn
JAMAICA'A.S.H.E.'
"Boonoonoons Jamaica" - Kingston
KOREA
The Park Sook JA Dongrang Dance Company - Seoul
PHILIPPINES The Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe - Manila
RUSSIA S.
AFRICA
SPAIN
The Voronezh Russian Folk Dance & Song Ensemble -
Voronezh "Dancing Sensations" - Welkom Grupo Municipal de Danzas de Fuengirola - Fuengirola
UNITED KINGDOM Cashel Ceili Band - Sunderland
NeMon Aycliffe Pipe Band Newton Aycliffe Billingham Silver Band Billingham Curran School Tyne & Wear
-
of lrish Dancing
-
Fidlers Fancy Womens Morris -
Stockport Marie Little - Durham Stockton & Billingham College of Further Education (Drama Group) (Children's Club only). The Moscow Puppet Theatre "Caprice" will present performances at various venues in the area, during the period of the Festival.
13
I
L993
AWORLD OF COLO
FUL ENTERTAINMENT
I
1993
THE UNITED NATIONS OFFOLKLORE
16
BILLINGHAM ARMS HOTEL WELCOMES 29TH
BILLINGHAM INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL
ds
.*,s'
u6r4uoo
-*pre+*f"
:%
PRIDE OF CLEVELAND
Openllam - 11pm Mon. to Sat. Sunday Noon - 3pm. 7pm - 10.30pm REFRESHMENIS AVA]LABLE IN ONE OF OUR THREE RESTAURANTS ALL DAY , , , F ROM A FULL LUNCH OR DINNE R TO TEA AND BISCUITS
wHy NoT /OIN
US
/N THE FESTIVE SprRrT
FOR A DRINI( PzuOR TO OR AFTERTHE
PEKFORMANCE The Causeway . Billingham . TS23 2HD Hotel Bookings and Reception (0642) SSB66L Conference Bookings & Administration (0G42) 360880 F
ax (0642) 552104. T elex: 5827 46
INTERNATIONAL CRAFT FAIR Visit the lnternational Craft Fair in the Forum. There are many, many craft workers, some familiar faces, others new, but all with first class products and all eager to show their skills while you browse through the Fair at your leisure. Jeff Race, a wood turner and carver, famed for the quality of his products, returns for the third time. Vera Goyne, from Billingham, demonstrates her Decoupage work, while John Butcher returns after a few years away with his unusual sculptures in copper, brass and horse-shoes nails. Sandra Render exhibits her quality china and Mrs. S. lveson displays her Swedish craft under the name of "Oodles". On a rpal international note, from China, caligraphist Wang Jianan exhibits and demonstrates his art.
Whether you are looking for water colours, sugarcraft, embroidery, metal sculptures, corn dollies, jewellery, wood carving, oriental art or a host of other crafts, the lnternational Craft Fair is the place to find them and, incidentally, the most unusual presents, too. Open Saturday, 14th August at 10.30am.
Continuing Daily Throughout the Week 10.30am to 7.30pm. Last Saturday 21st August 10.30am 5.30pm.
to
ESTONIA FOLK DANCE GROUP "SOPRUS" . TALLINN, ESTONIA Many Festival supporters will remember the previous visit of the ensemble "Soprus" from Tallinn when they
participated in the 1986 Festival. The group was founded in 1946 and are supported by the Youth Centre of the Estonian Ministry of Education.
"Soprus" has a membership of 130 dancers of which 35
willvisit Billingham. The group's extensive repertoire will be presented in a variety of costumes appropriate to the items being
performed. "Soprus" has travelled widely, appearing in all of the major folklore festivals. The group's outstanding performances have earned it an excellent reputation.
will be provided by the ensemble's own orchestra underthe direction of Mrs. Helle Leppik. Music
Director: MRS. ILMA ADAMSON
18
JAMAICA
"A.S.H.A." "Boonoonoons Jamaica" - Kingston Boononoons is a Jamaican word which means "sweet, just right, perfect, energy in essence, excitement" - all words which describe the first folklore group from Jamaica to participate in the Billingham Festival. It uses music, dance, drama, sign language and mime
to present its cultural heritage. lts wide repertoire includes classical and popular arrangements of traditional folk dances of Jamaica and the Caribbean. "Our main purpose is to spread the beauty and excitement of the Caribbean folklore in an educational and entertaining, but professional, manner." explains director, Joe Robinson. The group's performances are often described as energy personified. The varied repertoire includes dances performed at Wakes or Nine Night Celebrations to encourage procreation - an African-Jamaican ritual dance is hypnotic and performed in thanksgiving to ancestors, accompanied by goat skin drums - a women's dance "Bele-Caribe" is performed in dresses, each containing more than 15 yards of fabric - "Bongo" shows the strength and stamina of the Caribbean men - a Stick Fight (banned in Trinidad in the early 20th century) - a suite of folk songs - steel pan and other types of drums will all be part of this group's programmes.
ln olden days folk songs were the newspaper, television and radio, and were mainly ways of record ing Jamaica's history. Directors: JOE ROBINSON PAULETTE BELLAMY
19
I
t KOREA PARK SOOK JA DONGRANG DANCE COMPANY . SEOUL This Korean Ensemble was formed and gave
first performance in 1988. Since then it has participated annually at the Dong Rang its
Festiva l.
The group is composed of graduates of Seoul lnstitute of the Arts which was established thirty years ago in honour of Chi-Jin-Yu,
known as Dong Rang. This college is the art education centre of Korea, assisting young artists to stimulate and develop their creativity and skills. The group has given many distinguished performances in Korea. The repertoire of the Dongrang Dance Company includes the Korean traditional dance, classical dance and Korean folk dance. ltems to be performed at Billingham will be selected from traditional dances. Audiences will see all kinds of dances over the periods from the ancient Shilla Kingdom, Lee Dynasty through to recent traditional dances of the 1920s. They will also have the opportunity to observe the change in dance and costume over such periods. A variety of costumes from farmers and commoners attire to court dress will be worn in the group's programmes. The artistic director of the company is Kyurang Park, a famous Korean dancer and choreographer who has performed and worked in thirteen European countries, five Asian countries and in ten cities in the United States of America. Her published works include "Choreography of the Korean Court Dancers".
Accompanying the ensemble will be Mr. Hyung Suk Moon, General Manager of Pro-Worldwide lnternational Agency, whose assistance has made the visit of this Korean ensemble possible.
Artistic Director: SOOK J. A. PARK The Festival has received a Visiting Arts Country Project Award in respect of this Korean Company.
20
THE PHILIPPINES THE PHILIPPINE BARANGGAY FOLK DANCE TROUPE
. MANILA
The Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe carries on the spirit of cooperation, friendly association and harmonious living which the word
"Baranggay" connotes. We extend a cordial welcome to our first ensemble from The Philippines. The troupe's repertoire provides a window to the complex cultural history of The Philippines - its religions and different ways of life, its customs and
traditions, its gaiety and friendliness - for there is no better way to present the story of a country than through a panorama of songs, dances and music.
ln June 1946 the Baranggay Troupe was a mixed dancing class, made up of students and faculty members of The Philippine Normal College. At first they studied the finer points of folk dancing, but soon the group was called upon to render programmes of Philippine native dances with an accent on colour, music and settings. The repertoire consisted of the graceful courtship dances reminiscent of the Spanish era, the regional dances of the countryside ceremonial rites, occupational and aboriginal dances, including those inspired by animals, fish and plants that abound the country. The Baranggay Troupe strive to preserve and promote beautiful Philippine traditions by performing the native arts in their authentic form, hence the folklike and uneffected atmosphere of their performances. Studies of unrecorded dances and music of the less accessible regions is a very important objective. The Troupe has been the recipient of many citations and awards at home and abroad where Baranggay has been invited to perform. Appreciative audiences and royalty have attended performances in Japan, Korea, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, Taiwan, U.S.A., Alaska, Canada, U.K., Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the former Soviet Union, Germany, Kuwait and the Middle East. The group has also performed in the northernmost inhabited territory of the world, the Arctic region - P.T. Burrow. The founder Director of the Troupe is Dr. Paz Cielo Angeles Belmonte, who is a famous figure in the folklore
world. She is the recipient of numerous national and international awards for her outstanding contributions made and dedication given to the advancement of Philippine culture, especially in the dance area. Her most recent award was that of the Alumna of the University of The Philippines in the field of Philippine Dance. Director: DR. PAZ CIELO ANGELES BELMONTE Assistant Director: MR. EUGENIO TICZON 21
I,
4F -"-
RUSSIA THE VORONEZH RUSSIAN FOLK DANCE & SONG ENSEMBLE Voronezh is the heart of Russia, an ancient city situated in the region of the middle current of the Don River. The fertile soil of the central Black Earth area has earned Voronezh the title of the Granary of Russia. lt is also a large industrial centre of the region. The City is also famous for its wealth of folk traditions which have been passed from generations to generation. Some of the group's programmes will include the combination of songs with dances. Most of the songs bear the character of plays, so the dancers work hard at scenic choreography. The dance group is distinguished by its amalgamation with the choruslnd orchestra. Dances have been created on the basis of the Voronezh regional dance folklore, but cannot be regarded as purely ethnographic as they have been arranged by a ballet master. Thus the dances of to-day, developed on good old traditions have become more dynamic, masterly and bold. The orchestra makes a major contribution to the success of the chorus and dancers. The musical repertoire features folk melodies, round dances and game songs. Members of the orchestra use unique folk instruments - round lyre, zhaleika, brelok, pipe and others. prizes and The talented directors and performers of the Voronezh company have been awarded several honours of prestige at home and abroad during its fifty years history. The Ensemble hastoured extensively and visited more than 35 countries being enthusiastically received by captivated and appreciative audiences.
Artistic Director: V.N. POM
ELNI
KOV
Ballet master: L.l. LOBANOV Orchestra Leader: LM. BELENOV 22
SOUTH AFRICA
-DANCING SENSATIONS" - WELKOM We are delighted to welcome our first South African ensemble. Though we have tried many times to bring a representative group we have been unsuccessful. The members of the company have had to make many sacrifices and work very hard to obtain the finance to meet the cost of travel to England and other expenses involved in this project. The group comes from the colourful residential area of Welkom on the Free State Goldfields.
ln 1987, Peter and Brenda Petersen moved to Welkom from Cape Province and decided to start a dance club to give local children the chance to develop their talents and at t*te same time be usefully occupied. The club had no finance but the Petersens and the first six members had a lot of faith in the project. The club grew rapidly and in 1988 a second club was opened in Bloemfontein.
The group went from strength to strength and was asked to perform at a variety of events. The dancers had great success in the competitive field winning many awards. ln 1991 they were awarded first prize with a mark of 91o/o at the Roodepoort lnternational Eisteddfod, the highest mark ever to be awarded to a dancing ensemble at this prestigious event. This achievement led to the receipt of many invitations to participate in folklore festivals and other events in Europe but lack of funds made it impossible to travel.
Dancing Sensations has given distiguished performances at several important events in South Africa. The choreographer, Brenda Petersen, uses a mixture of contemporary and ethnic dancing in the routines, combining it with traditional ethnic music and rhythm. The groups repertoire
will include wedding
dances, Warrior dances, and Gumboot Dance.
The ultimate dream of the Petersens is to see a similar club in every small town in the Free State. The clubs will always be multi-racial and apolitical, to ensure that it is accessible to every child who may feel the urge
to dance. Elirectoc
PETER PETERSEN
Choreograher:
a
BREN
DA PETERSEN
SPAIN
GRUPO MUNICIPAL DE DANZAS DE FUENGIROLA Our Spanish visitors, this year, come from the popular
holiday resort of Fuengirola, which is situated between Malaga and Marbella on the Costa del Sol. Founded in 1962 on the initiative of Maria Josefa Larrucea, the ensemble is now under the directorship of
Trinidad Leon. Grupo Municipal de Danzas de Fuengirola consists of people
who work to preserve and promote the folklore traditions of their country. Having participated in numerous folklore events all over Europe and Africa, the ensemble has been the
recipient of many distinguished awards in recognition of the outstanding performances which it has presented. Television in Spain and abroad has often featured these Spanish dancers, singers and musicians. The repertoire of our Andalusian visitors is varied and wide. Classical Spanish, Flamenco and other popular
folk dances will be presented to the accompaniment of music from instrumentalists playing mandolins, guitars and lutes as well as a singer. Director:
TRI
NIDAD LEON
RUSSIA
"CAPRICE" PUPPET THEATRE, MOSCOW, RUSSIA The premier Russian Puppet
Theatre Academy, under the direction of the world famous Sergai Obraztsov has developed a small company named "Caprice" to present performances suitable for children whilst maintaining the high standards of the artistic and aesthetic principles of the academy.
"Caprice" has adapted
a
well known Russian Fairy tale, named "lvan - a Peasants Son" to create a musical show full of songs and dances performed by puppets. The production is aimed at audiences of children aged up to 12 years of age. The puppets are modelled from traditional Russian toys. The dialogue
will be spoken in English.
Eight of Russia's well know puppeteers will travel to England to present the show. Director: BORIS KOLOBOV
Artistic Director: V. KIKHITAROV
25
I
UNITED KINGDOM BILLINGHAM SILVER BAND The Band has participated in the Festival each year since the event began, the only group which can claim this achievement. Founded in 1941, the Billingham Silver Band has received numerous prestigious awards during its 52 years history. The thirty strong membership carries out several engagements each year, giving concerts at a variety of functions and Charity events. The Band has given performances at a wide range of venues which include church halls and the illustrious Albert Hall, London. Presently that Band holds the following status:
2nd Section - Durham League 2nd Section - National Gradings
lst Section - Yorkshire & Humberside
Brass Band Association.
MR. D. VAUGHAN EVANS, the Band's Conductor, has held this position
for
15 years.
THE CURRAN SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING Founded over seven years ago by Anne Curran, a qualified Teacher and Adjudicator of lrish Dancing, the Curran School of lrish Dancing is based in Cramlington, Northumberland and Felling, Tyne & Wear The School consists of girls and boys from the age of three years and upwards, who attend classes several times a week. The pupils regularly compete - with great success! - in lrish Dancing Competitions, both on a regional and nationwide level, and also take part in various non-competitive functions, for example, in 1992 they performed at the Berwick Summer Folk Festival.
The designs on the ornate costumes worn by the children originate mainly from the famous Book of Kells, which is the most famous example of Celtic manuscript art, and is now held in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. The children will be accompanied at the Festival by one of the dancers themselves, Pamela Mitford, who is also a very talented fiddle player.
26
UNITED KINGDOM FIDLER'S FANCY WOMEN'S MORRIS . STOCKPORI, CHEST.IIRE Although the exact date
is unknown, sometime between 1885-,l890, Charles Burgess Fidler, a fishmonger by trade, revived the tradition of
Morris Dancing in Stockport. The Fidler family played an active part in the group for many years. The present side perform only North West Morris with a repertoire that includes dances from Cheshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire.
ln addition to continuing the traditions of the original Fidler's Morris and Maypole Dancers, the present Side has tried to retain their style of dancing with the help of former members of the group. Fidlers have danced at many Festivals in the UK and on the continent.
Their distinctive kit is based on the smock dresses of young girls in the style worn when Mr. Fidler formed his team - the red, white and blue dresses are worn with straw boaters, white stockings and blue clogs. The band wear breeches, red socks, clogs, caps and waistcoats with the side's emblem, a smiling fish, on the back.
MARIE LITTLE The final Saturday evening concert will include folk singer and guitarist, Marie Little.
Marie's repertoire of contemporary and traditional songs are delivered in a friendly, open fireside manner, making her popular with audiences at whatever venue she performs. Marie has been on the 'folk scene'for many years, yet her popularity continues.
THE WAGGONERS FOLK DANCE BAND The band has been invited, once again,
to play for festival supporters at the annual ceili.
Leading the band is Jack Keane, a popular and well known musician in Cleveland and in other parts of the country
and abroad.
Jack has accompanied many folk dance groups which have participated at Billingham Festival and at lnternational Folklore Festiva ls overseas.
Caller: Brian Padgett.
I
UNITED KINGDOM CASHEL CEILI BAND The band was formed in 1979 to provide musical accompaniment for a local lrish Dance Group. Three of the original musicians were also dancers. They have now passed on their enthusiasm for dancing to their children. The band is now in demand by organisers of Ceilis and Barn dances in the North East of England.
Their music has, however, been greatly appreciated in more distant lands such as Poland, France, Germany, Holland, Syria, and ltaly where the Band has participated in many folklore festivals. Present line up is: Philip Boyle (Bodhran Drum; Whistle) Richard Burlinson (Accordian etc.) Frank Matterson (Caller, Singer, Whistler, Spoons) Geoff Millington (Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo) John Lawson (Flute, Piccolo, lrish Pipes) Derrick Spence (Fiddle; Mandolin)
UNITED KINGDOM NEWTON AYCLIFFE PIPE BAND Formed in 1962, Newton Aycliffe Pipe Band, has featured in the Festival annually, for many years and are proud of their association with the event.
Would be pipers spend a great deal of time to become accomplished in the art of playing Scottish Bagpipes. Accompanying the pipers is the Drum Section which includes the side drum (otherwise known as a snare), the tenor and bass drums. ln addition to presenting musical programmes, the Band is also a marching and display team. The uniform worn is that which resembles the Regiment of Scots Guards. The kilt and plaid is made from the Royal Stewart tartan. Originally the ostrich feathered bonnet was styled to make the wearer look much bigger and help frighten an enemy.
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