Viva

Synopsis

Australian musicians Carlos Villanueva and Boby Singh and music journalist Cristina Dio return to the countries of their birth to explore their musical heritage.

Cristina was born in Uruguay but raised in Australia.  She returns to Uruguay and visits Argentina, Brazil and Cuba to discover more about the music and culture that has had such a profound influence on her life.  Beginning her journey in Monevideo during Carnaval and Las Llamadas - an annual 'black' celebration that has its roots in the slave communities.  She learns more about the Tango in Brazil and Rio's famous Carnaval.  In Cuba, Cristina explores the African rhythmic styles which form the backbone of Cuban percussion.

Carlos left Chile during the final months of the Pinochet dictatorship.   Now a professor of music, Carlos returns to discover a wealth of musical riches.  Carlos' journey also takes him through the Andes to a vibrant festival in Bolivia.

Bobby Singh is Australia's foremost tabla player.  His musical journey begins in Mumbai where his teacher and tabla master, Aneesh Pradhan, lives with his wife Shuba Mudgal, one of India's most famous classical singers.  Bobby travels to the Punjab to see his extended family to learn more about Punjabi folk music traditions.