Myoma Amateur Music Association
Myoma Amateur Music Association | |
|---|---|
 The Myoma troupe in 1958 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Myoma band Myoma troupe |
| Origin | Mandalay, British Burma (now Myanmar) |
| Genres | Traditional Burmese music |
| Years active | 1925–present |
| Past members | Myoma Nyein, Gyi Ohn, Gyi Ngwe, Thant, Hla Din, and Mya Thein |
The Myoma Amateur Music Association (Burmese: မြို့မတူရိယာအသင်း), commonly known as the Myoma troupe or Myoma band, is a traditional Burmese music band. Established in 1925 in Mandalay, it is the longest surviving band in the country.[1]
History
Myoma was established in 1925 by amateur musicians - Myoma Nyein, Gyi Ohn, Gyi Ngwe, Thant, Hla Din, and Mya Thein - in Mandalay, British Burma (now Myanmar).[2] In 1928, a Chinese pawn shop owner donated money, enabling the band to expand its repertoire to a variety of wind instruments.[2] The band's composer and leader, Myoma Nyein, became one of the country's most distinguished musicians.[2] Throughout the years, the band briefly changed its name to others such as Naypyidaw, but ultimately reverted to its original name, Myoma.[2]
From 1927 until 1978, Myoma was a fixture in Mandalay's Thingyan (traditional new year) celebrations, parading the city and performing live atop a parade float featuring a silver swan.[3][2][4] The tradition was resumed in 1996.[2] Over the years, notable actors and singers like Win Oo performed with Myoma.[4] The band also entertained foreign delegations, including Zhou Enlai and Chen Yi, who visited Burma in the 1960s.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Beloved Myanmar Band Tarnishes Reputation by Playing for Junta Leaders". The Irrawaddy. May 22, 2021. Retrieved 2021-11-06.
- ^ a b c d e f "88 years strong, the Myoma Musical Troupe brings a Mandalay Thingyan tradition to Yangon". The Myanmar Times. 2013-04-01. Retrieved 2021-11-06.
- ^ Saw, R. e (2017-04-12). "[Thingyan Special] MYOMA NYEIN: The Enchanting Silver Swan". MYANMORE. Retrieved 2021-11-06.
- ^ a b "A traditional Mandalay Thingyan". The Myanmar Times. 2014-03-31. Retrieved 2021-11-06.