Kathmandu Youth Orchestra is organising a student concert, titled ‘Spring Concert, Tunes of Nepal’ at the Russian Culture Center, Kamalpokhari on Saturday.

According to the organisers, the concert will feature a vibrant mix of musical genres including Dafa songs, traditional Nepali and Nepal Bhasa songs, Charya songs and Western classical music. John Sharpley will conduct the concert and attendees will get to hear performances by more than 40 artists in the chamber orchestra. Both Nepali and Western instruments, including Khin, Dhime, Dholak, Bhusiya, Tinchu, Piano, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Flute, Sarangi and Sitar, will be played.

Sunita Dangol, the deputy mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, will chair the programme as the chief guest.

The musical performance will be followed by a book launch of ‘Nepali Orchestra (Tunes of Nepal) Vol.1’ containing transcription of Nepali and Nepal Bhasa folk and traditional songs in staff notation.

John Sharpley is a composer, performer and teacher whose career spans geographic and cultural borders. Born in Houston, Texas in the US, he earned a doctorate in composition from Boston University, a bachelor of music and a master of music from the University of Houston as well as diplomas for piano, violin and composition at the National Conservatory of Music in Strasbourg, France. His composition teachers include Michael Horvit, David Del Tredici, John Harbison, Betsy Jolas and Leonard Bernstein.

Since its inception in 2011 AD, the Kathmandu Youth Orchestra has been dedicated to promoting traditional Nepali and Nepal Bhasa music globally through staff notation and orchestration. Over the years, it has organised various successful events, including orchestral concerts and student performances, along with offering valuable masterclasses and workshops to its members.

What: Spring Concert (Tunes of Nepal)

Where: Russian Culture Center, Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu

When: April 20

Time: 4:45 pm onwards