Perched high above the surrounding desert landscape, Mehrangarh Fort soars skyward from the craggy cliffs that overlook the city of Jodhpur, famous for its painted blue buildings and rich heritage of living craft traditions. Normally closed to visitors after nightfall, the Fort will be opening its doors from 26 to 28 October 2007 as part of the launch of India’s first annual roots music festival, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (Jodhpur RIFF).

Featuring artists from across the state of Rajasthan, India and the world, the festival will play host to singers, dancers, instrumentalists, storytellers and artisans whose skills will be showcased during three full days of interactive educational events, staged performances and late night jam sessions that bring audiences face to face with the artists in a setting of unparalleled beauty.

The opening of the festival has been timed to coincide with the brightest full moon of the year, when the royal apartments and gardens, screened verandas, courtyards, terraces and ramparts of the Fort are at their most stunning and atmospheric. Known as Sharad Poornima, this is traditionally a time of festivities in Jodhpur, when the city comes alive with music and dance. Free performances will take place every night in large public spaces across the city as part of the Marwar Festival, which this year will be complemented by the events taking place inside the Fort.

Hosted by His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival begins with a grand ceremonial procession and dinner on 25th October, followed by three full days of inspirational music-making ranging from traditional folk performances to club nights that bring together local artists with some of India’s top bands. British folk music education consultant David Oliver visited Rajasthan on a reconnaissance visit in May 2007. The aim of his trip was to build on the initiatives begun by Ros Rigby, the Artistic Director of one of the UK’s premier music venues SAGE Gateshead http://www.sagegateshead.com, during her visit in January of the same year, which was designed to assist with preparation for RIFF and identify ways in which the British Council could collaborate with the festival and the SAGE to encourage young Indian musicians to engage with the wealth of folk and traditional music cultures of the region.

David Oliver was formerly the Folkworks Programme Leader at SAGE from 2001 and Folkworks Education Director from 1993. Folkworks is the music agency that sits at the heart of SAGE’s work with traditional folk music from the UK which Ros began in partnership with Alistair Anderson in 1988. Folkworks has proved to be remarkably successful at bringing young audiences back in to folk music culture, culminating in the establishment of the UK’s first BA in Folk Music at Newcastle University. The project that emerges from this research intends to draw on both Ros and David’s experience to launch similar initiatives here in India. Says David after travelling across Rajasthan: “Although Rajasthani and European music may appear to be very different, there are also striking similarities and potential points of contact. I was especially struck by the sheer fun the musicians and dancers appeared to be having; their absolute commitment to the music; the technical skill, artistry and musicianship of many performers; the informality and flexibility of the instrumental sessions; the visual excitement (and festival-potential) of the ceremonial and stick-dances; and the musicians’ openness to sharing and inter-action.”

For more information on RIFF, please contact Owen Mortimer, Executive Director, Rajasthan International Folk Festival, E-14 3, Ramesh Marg, C-Scheme, Jaipur, 302001 or visit  www.jodhpurfolkfestival.org