Show Description

THIS SHOW IS NOT SOLD OUT! 

Zikrayat ("memories" in Arabic) is a New York based ensemble of musicians and dancers dedicated to presenting the traditional repertory of Arabic music, song and dance. In addition to the well know standard repertory, Zikrayat highlights little-known gems from the "golden age" of Egyptian cinema, as well as original compositions. With a classical Takht lineup of oud, nay, violin, qanun, riqq, tabla, and vocals, in addition to folk instruments like buzuq, mizmar, and rabba, Zikrayat's musicians capture the original spirit of the music. Zikrayat's dancers focus on authentic Egyptian Raqs Sharqi, especially as embodied by such legends as Naima Akif and Samia Gamal.

Amir ElSaffar, an accomplished jazz and classical trumpeter, formed the ensemble Safaafir after traveling to Iraq in 2002 to immerse himself in the music of his ancestry, the Iraqi maqam. He studied extensively with the masters of the form, arriving back in the States just before the start of the 2003 invasion. The name Safaafir evokes the ancient art of coppersmithing in Iraq, an important tradition in the ElSaffar family. The sound of the Iraqi maqam has often been likened to the Souq al-Safaafir, a well-known coppersmith's market in Baghdad, for the metallic timbre of the instruments and the percussive hammering of the ancient rhythms. Safaafir is dedicated to preserving the centuries-old repertory of the Iraqi maqam, which is at risk of being forgotten due to the few remaining numbers of masters keeping the music alive both in Baghdad and abroad. Since its inception in late 2005, Safaafir has performed throughout the US in concert halls, museums, universities, and private parties. Amir is also the leader of the sextet Two Rivers, seen at Joe's Pub in the fall of 2007. The group bridges Eastern and Western traditions by seamlessly blending essential aspects of maqam with advanced jazz harmonies.

Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) presents this program as part of its month-long festival BROOKLYN MAQAM ARAB MUSIC FESTIVAL. This concert is supported by a grant from Baisley Powell Elebash Fund.