| Afro-Puerto Rican Music & Dance: Los Pleneros de la 21 music Series: World Music Institute
Los
Pleneros de la 21, the premier company in the US performing the exciting
African-derived bomba and
plena traditions of Puerto Rico,
has turned concert halls around the world into community celebrations. Led by
Juan Gutierrez, a recipient of the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship, the
group is noted for its rich polyrhythmic drumming, jubilant call-and-response
singing, and vibrant dancing. |
 | Iraqi 'Ud: Rahim Alhaj music Series: World Music Institute
Rahim AlHaj comes from Iraq, a country once famous for its ‘ud players. A virtuoso ‘ud (lute) musician and composer, he was born in Baghdad where he studied and performed with the great Munir Bashir. He has been a political refugee in the US since 2000, and dedicated himself to keeping the ‘ud music of his embattled homeland alive. His music deals with exile and new beginnings, delicately combining traditional Iraqi maqams (modes) with contemporary styles without altering the foundation of the traditional Iraqi school of ‘ud.See More... |
| Brasil Fest: Mariana Aydar music Series: World Music Institute
The 27-year-old Mariana Aydar, who grew up in a musical family in São Paolo, represents one of the finest singers of the new generation of Brazilian artists. She gracefully moves from samba rhythms to classic songs, from forróto contemporary sounds. In her repertoire, she features works by new songwriters, her own material, and fresh renditions of Brazilian classics with her own distinctive mark. She has sung with many top singers, including Dominguinhos and João Donato, and toured Europe as the opening act for Seu Jorge after meeting him while living in Paris. In this program, which marks her US debut, she is joined by her five-piece band.See More... |
| Brasil Fest: Jair Oliveira music Series: World Music Institute
Singer-songwriter Jair Oliveira embodies the roots and evolution of samba. A rising star of the new generation of Brazilian musicians, he began his career at the age of six performing on stage and recording with his father, Brazil’s legendary singer Jair Rodrigues. After his studies at the Berklee College of Music, he went on to produce albums with some of Brazil’s most respected artists including Vicente Barreto, Wilson Simoninha, Luciana Mello, and Tom Zé. His captivating music - modern while remaining connected to tradition - blends samba, bossa-nova, jazz, funk, electronic and African beats. He recently starred in Walter Lima Jr.’s Os Desafinados, a film about the bossa nova movement. US concert debut.See More... |
 | Drum & Dance of Guinea: Sidiki Conde & Tokounou music Series: World Music Institute
Dancer/drummer/singer
Sidiki Conde leads his ensemble Tokounou in a mesmerizing and powerful
performance of the traditional arts of Guinea. Conde, despite losing the use of
his legs when he was 14, followed his dream to become a dancer. He has performed
with a number of premier African ensembles, including Les Merveilles de Guinée,
and such popular artists as Youssou N’Dour, Salifa Keita, and Baba Maal. He was
honored in 2007 by the National Endowment for the Arts as a National Heritage
Fellow. |
 | Rhythms, Songs & Dances of Ghana music Series: World Music Institute
Odadaa!
is a dynamic company of artists from the Ga tribe of Ghana, West Africa. Led by
pioneering master drummer/composer/choreographer Yacub Addy, Odadaa! combines
hot African polyrhythmic drumming with balafon (wooden xylophone), flutes,
guitar, bass, rich vocals, high energy dances, and lust costumes. The ensemble’s
repertoire includes traditional rhythms, songs and dances, as well as vibrant
new works created by Addy that are rooted in tradition. |
| Songs of Provence: Lo Cor de la Plana music Series: World Music Institute
Lo
Còr de la Plana is an all-male polyphonic vocal ensemble from Marseilles that
has caused quite a stir in world music circles in recent years with its
electrifying stage presence. The group, with influences ranging from Bartok to
reggae, is devoted to resurrecting and modernizing the Occitan traditional
repertoire that until now has been confined to churches and religious
ceremonies. Singing in the little known ancient language Occitan, the ensemble
accompanies itself with body percussion, bender (frame drum), and tambourine. |
| Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar & Hula: Keola & Moana Beamer music Series: World Music Institute
The
“aloha spirit” comes to New York with the sweet sounds of slack key guitar
(called Hawaii’s soul or back porch music), and the beautiful art of hula. Keola
Beamer, a member of one of Hawaii’s most famous musical families, has been a
leader in the Hawaiian cultural renaissance since the 1970s. An engaging veteran
performer on guitar and Hawaiian nose flute, he has been influential in
revitalizing traditional Hawaiian music. He is joined by his wife, Moana Beamer,
who showcases many hula styles, and also plays several ancient Hawaiian
percussive instruments. Special guest artists to be announced.
|
| Mali Beat: Habib Koite & Bamada music Series: World Music Institute
Malian
superstar Habib Koite, one of Africa’s most popular musicians, comes from a long
line of Khassonke griots (oral historians and praise singers). Acclaimed for his
distinctive guitar style, he brings together different regional styles in his
music, creating a new pan-Malian approach; he also integrates Western folk and
rock sounds without compromising his cherished Malian roots. He has performed
with his group Bamada for two decades, transfixing audiences with their
infectious music. |
| Tribute To Bismillah Khan: Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan music Series: World Music Institute
Ali
Ahmad Hussain Khan, the premier shehnai maestro of eastern India, is one
of the last of the great shehnai
players. His instrument, an Indian oboe, is commonly associated with weddings
and outdoor celebrations, and was developed into an important and popular
instrument in the North Indian classical repertoire by the late Bismillah Khan.
Accompaniment will be provided by the renowned Subhen Chatterjee of tabla (drums) and Khan’s son on shehnai. Co-presented with Raga Music
Society. |
| Sing Sing – Music & Dance From Aboriginal Australia, Papua New Guinea & West Papua music Series: World Music Institute
This
program provides a rare opportunity to experience the vibrant and fascinating
traditions of the indigenous peoples of Australia, Papua New Guinea and West
Papua. Sing Sing (which takes its name from the Papua New Guinean expression
meaning “large musical gathering”) features master artists from Oceania in a
celebration of traditional and contemporary music and dance. The concert, which
features 10 artists plus video projections, includes haunting Highland and Sepik
bamboo flutes of Papua New Guinea, frenzied garamut drumming of the Manus Islands,
sorrowful laments of the Bougainville people, powerful ceremonies of Arnhem
Land, and stirring dances from the Torres Strait Islands. |
