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Event
"BAGHDAD" Concert "21 STRINGS" CD Release
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BAGHDAD and 21 Strings Concert Performance, CD Release, Art Exhibition
March 28th 2009 7:30 p.m.
Kaul Auditorium, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd. Portland, OR 97202
1-800-838-3006 http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/54495
(A) $25.00 (B) $20.00 (C) Students $10.00 (at the door)
Reed Community (students, staff, faculty) Free of charge (ID at door)
Tickets are also available at the door.
CONTACT: Andalus Events: (503) 230-2379
Email: music@andalus.com
For Directions Reed Events: http://events.reed.edu/
http://www.Andalus.com
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/54495
Free Parking
Event is open to all ages.
A delightful proposition of exquisite music (El Pais, Madrid, Spain)
Join the international Al Andalus Ensemble for a poignant evening. This work stands as a premiere bridge between the worlds music cultures, bridging East and West as well as Classical and World music genres. Al Andalus Ensemble founders Tarik & Julia Banzi (oud & flamenco guitar) join with Grammy Award winning Charlie Bisharat (violinist for phenoms Yanni, Alanis Morissette, The Rolling Stones...) and Ranjani Krishnan (vocals). Al Andalus was a time when Christians, Jews & Muslims lived in peaceful co-existence (Spain 711-1492). The Baghdad performance is an emotive musical memorial that serves to herald the return of spring and foster new beginnings. The concert also commemorates an important historical figure in Al Andalus, Ziriab, a Persian musician from Baghdad who established the first music conservatory in Europe in 822 c.d.
In a marriage of East & West, the Al Andalus Ensemble embodies the new vision of America as a modern society that embraces its cosmopolitan, cultural heritage. The Al Andalus Ensemble is steeped in tradition, beautifully and soulfully merging classical, jazz and contemporary music with the music from the Middle East, North Africa and Spain, performing to universal acclaim throughout the world. Highlights of the March 28th program include contemporary works as well as traditional pieces from Al Andalus, Afghanistan and Iraq. Proud emblems, suspended within sound, each is infused with its own poignant expression of nostalgia. The flow of these works, tugs at our heartstrings and inspires affection. The longing for an idealistic time permeates the works and functions as a center of gravity for the program. This trio of twenty-one strings pushes the boundaries of sonority and of texture to bring out performances of wonderful commitment.
Further the advancement of international understanding, goodwill & peace
by supporting a group that reflects a place and time where Christians, Jews
& Muslims lived together for a cultural flourishing: Al-Andalus
Co-sponsored by the Portland State University Middle East Studies Center,
Reed College, World Affairs Council, KBOO Radio, Portland Guitar Society
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In a marriage of East & West, the Al Andalus Ensemble embodies the new vision of America as a modern society that embraces its cosmopolitan, cultural heritage. The genre Contemporary Andalusian evolved to describe the Banzis informed approach that organically blends oud and flamenco guitar while melding the past with the present in what has been hailed as a new musical language that unites the East & West (Aramco World Magazine). The Al Andalus Ensemble is steeped in tradition, beautifully and soulfully merging classical, jazz and contemporary music with the music from the Middle East, North Africa and Spain to create what reviewers have called a delightful proposition of exquisite music (El Pais, Madrid, Spain). Performing to universal acclaim. Their international engagements have taken them to from Belgium, Canada, Croatia, France, Germany and Holland, to Italy, Morocco, Spain, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Historically, Al-Andalus refers to Spain from 711-1492. During these eight centuries, the Spain of Al-Andalus witnessed the closest encounter possible between Africa, the East and the West, as well as between Christianity, Judaism and Islam. An outstanding model of tolerance and multiculturalism, Al-Andalus was a time that is known for its mutually beneficial synergy among diverse cultures that resulted in remarkable artistic, scientific and cultural enlightenments. The period of Al Andalus has had profound and far-reaching consequences, setting the stage for the European Renaissance. It provides us with an exemplary historical model to resolve the conflicts and challenges we face in the world today. Persian musician Abu l-Hasan Ali Ibn Nafi, nicknamed Ziriab (Blackbird) from Baghdad traveled to the Spanish city of Cordoba and established the first music conservatory 822 a.d. Ziriab also added a fifth string to the oud, creating the lute that would later evolve into the guitar. Robert Palmer of the New York Times exclaims, Without the impact of Arabic musical thought & practice, European classical music as we know it simply would not exist.
Tarik Banzi a superbly gifted player (All Music Guide) was born to an Andalusian family in Tetuan, Morocco and traces his roots back to Al-Andalus. He later lived in Madrid, Spain where he completed his doctoral studies in Fine Arts and collaborated with flamenco-jazz music masters such as Paco de Lucia, Manolo Sanlcar, Enrique Morente and Jorge Pardo among others. Julia Banzi is one of the few female flamenco guitarists worldwide. She lived in Spain for over a decade, studying flamenco with some of Spains finest guitarists such as Manolo Sanlucar and Isidro Munoz, she holds a Doctorate degree in Ethnomusicology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and teaches guitar at Reed College and Lewis & Clark College. Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat is often heard with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and has graced the albums of such phenoms as Alanis Morissette, The Rolling Stones, Jane's Addiction, Aerosmith, Yanni, Kitaro, Strunz & Farah, Don Grusin, Oscar Castro-Neves, Shadowfax and John Tesh. Bisharat has been featured in scores of soundtracks from Swordfish, Texas Rangers, Steal Big Steal Little to on-screen performances of Austin Powers Gold Member, The Drew Carey Show and Friends.
This trio of twenty-one strings pushes the boundaries of sonority and of texture to bring out performances of wonderful commitment. Audiences can expect a program with rich and unusual instrumentation. The oud (parent of the Renaissance lute), ney (Arabic reed flute) and darbuka (ceramic drum) are entwined with the warmly emotional violin and punctuated with flamenco guitar to create a unique, deeply moving music--a development as fruitful as Astor Piazzollas when he shocked the Argentinean establishment with his Nuevo Tango (Ted Gioia critic, author of History of Jazz). The concert promises to be a fascinating evening where parallels and contrasts will be drawn between the old and the new. Highlights of the program include contemporary works as well as traditional pieces from Al Andalus, Afghanistan and Iraq. Proud emblems, suspended within sound, each infused with its own poignant expression of nostalgia. The flow of these works, tugs at our heartstrings and inspires affection. The longing for an idealistic time permeates the works and functions as a center of gravity for the program.
The artists of the Al-Andalus Ensemble build a new artistic language that unifies Eastern & Western cultures and generates a work that is rich, layered and socially conscious, expanding the artistic horizons of both experts and novices alike. Further the advancement of international understanding, goodwill & peace by supporting a group that reflects a place and time where Christians, Jews & Muslims lived together for a cultural flourishing: Al-Andalus.
We would appreciate it greatly if you would please assist us in bringing this unique event to the attention of the public. If you have any questions or require any further information, please contact:Tickets 1-800-838-3006 www.brownpapertickets.com/event/54495 Al Andalus Events: www.Andalus.com 503-230-2379 Reed College Events: http://events.reed.edu/ This event is co-sponsored by the Reed College Department of Music, World Affairs Council, PSU Middle East Studies Center, KBOO Radio, Portland Guitar Society.
Artist Bios
TARIK BANZI (Composer, Multi-instrumentalist & Visual Artist) traces his roots back to Al-Andalus, Spain (711-1492). He was born to one of the old Andalusian families in Tetouan, Morocco and grew up immersed in the Andalusian musical tradition. Tarik has performed for such notables as Queen Sofia of Spain and Princess Haifa Al-Saud while his musicianship has complimented the albums of flamenco and Jazz masters such as Paco de Lucia, Manolo Sanlucar, Enrique Morente and Jorge Pardo where Tarik introduced such mainstays the darbuka (clay or metal drum) and Udu (clay pot drum). Tariks students Fain Duenas and Vicente Molina went on to form the Grammy nominated World music group Radio Tarifa. Tariks diversity can be seen in the works of Classical, Jazz, Folk, New Age, Rock and World Music artists from Billy Oskay (Nightnoise), Guadalquivir, La Trinca, Tijeritas, Michael Shreive and Graham Leer (Carlos Santana), Dan Crary, Carolyn Cruso, Lief Sorby, Magical Strings, Paul Winter, John Doan, Oregon Repertory Singers and Enrique Valdivieso... Tarik has composed scores of soundtracks for cinema & film including Delirios de Amor (Felix Rotaeta, Antonio Banderas), Shakespeares Romeo & Juliet, Henry IV, Othello, Bodas de Sangre (Garcia Lorca) and Salome (Nuria Espert). Tarik is a featured Arts Bridge Scholar and has guest lectured at many universities including the Virginia Military Institute, Denver University, Arizona State University, Washington State University, Portland University, Western Carolina University, Reed College, Lewis & Clark. Tarik & Julia composed music for American National Public Radio (NPR) Legacies: Faith, Hope and Peace which was subsequently awarded the Heart of America Award for best in radio and was recently filmed for an upcoming American Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) documentary on the three faiths A Journey of Faith (Auteur Productions). Tarik is an accomplished visual artist who completed his Doctoral studies Fine Arts (Ph.D.) at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain and further studies at the University of California Santa Barbara. His artwork is included in collections throughout the world.
CHARLIE BISHARAT While you might not recognize the name, you would instantly identify the violin artistry of Charlie Bisharat. His work has graced the albums of such pop phenoms as Alanis Morissette, The Rolling Stones, Jane's Addiction, and Aerosmith. His diversity can be heard on the works of Jazz and World Music artists Strunz & Farah, Don Grusin, and Oscar Castro-Neves. And his accomplishments have been featured in scores of soundtracks from Swordfish, Texas Rangers, Steal Big Steal Little to on-screen performances of Austin Powers Gold Member, The Drew Carey Show and Friends. A Grammy Award-winning performer, Mr. Bisharat has toured the world time and again with Jazz and New Age groups as varied as Shadowfax, Kitaro, Yanni and John Tesh. He has composed and produced tracks for record-setting album projects as well. His range of styles has led him from pop to jazz to classical, where he is often heard subbing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. His wide array of skills is best exemplified on his own recording on Universal Music Group's Along The Amazon, an all-star album featuring some of jazz and pop's greatest artists. A published author as well, Charlie has written and recorded the jazz improvisational book and CD Beyond Classical Violin for Cherry Lane Music. Mr. Bisharats compositions have been featured in movies and television as well as a myriad of recording projects. His works for small ensembles range from the original opus Lying In Wait which appears on the album Subliminal Blues And Greens by the all-female quartet Cello, to string arrangements for rock guitarist Andy Summers of The Police. Charlie continues to travel the globe performing in concert and recording with some of the most accomplished musicians of our day. Live appearances this year alone have included Costa Rica, Spain, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Switzerland & Brazil. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mr. Bisharat is in demand as one of Southern California's busiest violinists. Television and feature film scores make up a generous portion of his recording schedule in town. In addition, he has appeared as a guest speaker at the Henry Mancini Institute and often lends a hand with the Yamaha Music Education programs both in the U.S. and abroad.
JULIA BANZI (Ph.D) (flamenco guitar, viola, percussion) (flamenco guitar, viola, percussion) The world of guitar boasts few women who ignite the sound of the guitar, and in the macho flamenco culture, even fewer still. Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, Julia lived in Spain for over a decade where she specialized in flamenco and established herself as one of a very few female flamenco guitarists worldwide. In Andalucias Granada, Sanlucar de Barrameda and later at Madrids Amor de Dios studios, Julia worked accompanying notable dance instructors such as Ciro, La Tate & Manolete and studied with Spains finest guitarists including Manolo Sanlucar, Isidro Muoz, David Serva, Felipe Maya and Rafael Morales. Her passion for flamenco led her to explore its roots, where she focused on Arabo-Andalusian, Ladino & Indian musics. After obtaining a B.A. degree in music from Lewis & Clark College, she went on to complete her Ph.D. Ethnomusicology at the University of California Santa Barbara where she simultaneously taught American Music and Popular Culture and wrote a thesis Womens Andalusian Ensembles of Tetuan, Morocco and dissertation Flamenco Guitar Innovation and the Circumscription of Tradition. Musician and scholar, Julia authored chapters for the Arab World Studies Notebook (AWAIR & The Middle East Policy Council w/ Audry Shabbas), A solo Dance with my Soul and served as a consultant for The Rise of Islam (Stanford University). Julia is an AIMS scholar, featured Arts Bridge Scholar, FLAS, TALMS, Eric Porshman Fellowship in Music & Art recipient, and was selected by The National Council on US Arab Relations for the Passage to Morocco program. She has organized panels and given papers at academic conferences (SEM, SEMSCC, MACSEM) on topics ranging from Academic Ethno Ensembles and Women, Music & Identity to Andalusian Music and The Marketing of Roma in Popular Music. Julia is currently preparing a book on her interviews and photographs with the late master of Andalusian music Mohammed Temsamani. She teaches guitar at Reed College and Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
RANJANI KRISHNAN (Voice) was born in Bombay, India. Ethnically she hails from the southern Indian state of Tamilnadu and lived many years in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Her mother, an accomplished musician, has played the Veena for almost 40 years, and her father, a thespian and connoisseur of music, provided a her a strong foundation in Indian classical music. Rnjani learned Carnatic music from Gowri Natarajan, a disciple of the esteemed Lalgudi Jayaraman. She graduated from Reed College and University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with degrees in Mathematics and from Lewis and Clark College with an honors degree in music composition. Rnjani is a versatile singer who has studied languages like ancient Greek, Hebrew, German, Spanish, and Arabic in addition to her native tongue of Tamil and the more familiar English and Hindi.
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LocationReed College, Kaul Auditorium
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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