MAYA: Uniquely Compelling

In the summer of 2005 Jacqueline Kerrod, PAI harp faculty member along with Sato Moughalian, flute and John Hadfield, percussion, formed the trio MAYA. MAYA offers the uniquely compelling and rhythmically driven combination of flute, harp and percussion, performing classical music, ethnic music, and incorporating improvisations into its performances.

The ensemble has embarked on a major commissioning program, with a number of new pieces currently in progress and recently completed, from established and emerging young composers and well-known artists in the field of world music. MAYA is also creating multi-media works, reflecting the artistic visions of its members who seek to create a repertoire which mirrors their expanding ideals of beauty in an increasingly connected world.

The term maya has deep roots and diverse meanings around the world. In Hindu philosophy maya is the divine power which has created the cosmos. In Buddhism, maya is the veil of illusion, the transitory appearance of the physical world, and a metaphoric challenge for spiritual aspirants. In the Americas, the Mayan people formed a highly developed culture whose singular achievements included monumental architecture, agriculture, astronomy, mathematics and a distinct calendrical system. Maya is a term found in the Upanishads, in Vedic and Sanskrit writings--a richly evocative image in cultures and literatures throughout the East.

The members of MAYA hail from South Africa, Asia Minor, and North America.

PAI loaned the use of a harp to assist in the rehearsing and recording process of MAYA’s debut CD entitled "In the Spirit", a collection of pieces that have been transcribed by and composed for MAYA. "In the Spirit" will be released in July 2007.

For more information about MAYA, visit www.mayatrio.com.