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The Mystical Music of the Middle East TheYuval Ron Ensemble featuring Najwa Gibran
Dedicated to fostering understanding of Middle Eastern cultures and religions, this rare collaboration between composer Yuval Ron and singer Najwa Gibran honors the sacred musical traditions of Judaism, Sufism, and the Christian Armenian Church. A discussion by Ron of the ancient and deep intercultural connection between the three traditions leads seamlessly into a concert that features songs of Sufi origin, Jewish prayer from Morocco and Yemen, Armenian chants, and dance that incorporates three different styles of movement originating in the Middle East. The Yuval Ron Ensemble includes musical director Ron on oud and saz; Najwa Gibran, voice; Norik Manoukian, duduk, zurna, shvi (flute), and clarinet; Jamie Papish and David Martinelli, percussion; Carolyne Aycaguer-Ron, keyboards; Virginie Alumian, kanoun; and guest dancers Aziz, Melanie Kareem, Ruth Gould-Goodman, and Maya Karasso. This concert is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and the Recording Industries' Music Performance Trust Funds through the Professional Musicians Union Local 47. Additional support is provided by the Center for Jewish Culture and Creativity.