By Carlotta Mohamed
Continuing its 40th anniversary celebrations, Flushing Town Hall will launch a jam-packed lineup of 72 programs in its Winter-Spring 2019 season spanning jazz, global music, family shows, exhibitions and more.
From January through June, Flushing Town Hall’s Winter-Spring 2019 program will include 18 world music shows, 10 jazz performances, eight family programs, seven classical musical concerts and three exhibitions.
The launch of the 2019 season on Jan. 8 will include preview performances by the contemporary classical tabla ensemble Talavya and Ba Ban Chinese Music Society.
“The program is about dance and music, but is based on the concept of the book of Ching — an ancient Chinese philosophy that talks about how we can change human beings into nature,” said Zhou Yi, of the Ba Ban Chinese Music Society. “We believe that when you perform the energy surrounds the musician and dancer exchange, also the energy between the performers and audience and we inspire each other.”
The Ba Ban Chinese Music Society is dedicated to the preservation, creation, and presentation of Chinese traditional and contemporary performing arts.
The ensemble performs on “silk and bamboo” (sizhu) instruments — a classical instrumental grouping dating from the Qing Dynasty (1636-1911) that includes various dizi (bamboo flutes), sheng (mouth organ), pipa (lute), zhongruan (alto lute), guzheng (zither), huqin (fiddles), and yangqin (hammered dulcimer).
This will be the group’s third year performing at Flushing Town Hall.
While classical tabla ensemble Talavya, formed by Indian composer Pandit Divyang Vakil, is set to perform for the first time in Queens.
The group will be performing with its tabla percussion instrument, which consists of a pair of drums, used in traditional, classical, popular and folk music. The intensity and generosity of Talavya keeps the spirit of Indian classical art, while expanding its palette and audience.
“We’re really excited because we have a large community through the Taalim School of Indian Music,” said Mike Lukshis, a member of Talavya. “We have a large community in the New York-New Jersey area, and it’s a good opportunity for us to bring the music to our community, and of course, the diverse community in Flushing.”
Lukshis added, “I think one of the best aspects of this performance is that it puts this classical music and ancient artform in a context that is very new and exciting, and it makes it acceptable for audiences of many ages and ethnicities, and also even different experiences listening to music.”
The celebration continues with a lineup of global performers throughout the 2019 season.
“The spring season is truly global, with performers coming from far and wide to share their talents with our Queens audiences,” said Ellen Kodadek, executive and artistic director of Flushing Town Hall. “We look forward to welcoming the world for a wide range of free and affordable jazz, global music, exhibitions, family shows, and more at Flushing Town Hall!”
Tickets can be purchased at www.flush
Flushing Town Hall is accessible by car, bus, train and foot — located a short distance from the 7 train at 137-35 Northern Blvd., in Flushing. Access for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility is available.
Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmoha
