2009

FALL 2009

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In this special concert a choir and an ensemble composed of Greek and Turkish musicians will perform together a program of Greek Orthodox (Byzantine) and Turkish Sufi (Mevlevi) music.

These two traditions exhibit substantial musical and historical commonalities, and share many instances of mutual influence and cross-fertilization.

The concert will feature internationally acclaimed master musicians from Greece and Turkey: chanter Photis Ketsetzis, Professor of Byzantine Ecclesiastical Music at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology; and Şenol Filiz, ney and Birol Yayla, tanbur, the Istanbul-based duo YANSIMALAR, whose many recordings span the range of contemporary Turkish classical and Sufi music, original composition and music for film.

This concert explores the many cultural layers of music in Turkey: rural and urban popular music, Sufi music, Greek music and Ottoman court music.

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Since at least the 16th century, the Turkish maftirim repertoire–Hebrew devotional poetry set to Turkish makam music for use in the synagogue–demonstrates the deep relationships Ottoman Jews established with members of Muslim mystical brotherhoods. A panel of three scholars will speak on cultural, historical, religious and musical aspects of the topic, followed by dialogue with the audience. The program will conclude with a lively 40-minute recital featuring an ensemble of Jewish, Muslim and Christian vocalists and instrumentalists demonstrating examples of relevant musical repertoire.

SPRING 2009

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A program of Turkish music full of longing—for love, for homeland, for God. An ensemble of five vocalists and instrumentalists presents an array of classical, folk, Sufi and popular songs, dances and improvisations representing two hundred years of music in Turkey.

Turkish art and folk music in its most infectious form in an intimate setting with food and drink where audience interaction is expected.

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This concert will present the music and musicians featured on DÜNYA’s new CD by the same name, scheduled to be released at this concert, which explores the many cultural layers of music in Turkey: rural and urban popular music, Sufi music, Greek music and Ottoman court music.

The DÜNYA ensemble will participate with in an array of other traditions from India, Indonesia, the Caribbean and Africa.