World-renowned Arab Ethnomusicologist Dr. Ali Jihad Racy and Mideast Ensemble Perform
In March 2008 the Middle East Center's Outreach Program co-sponsored with its partner, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, and Swarthmore College a free public concert featuring a collaboration between the world-renowned Arab ethnomusicologist Dr. Ali Jihad Racy and Philadelphia's own Middle East Ensemble, featuring Joseph Tayoun, Roger Mgrdichian, Adeeb Refela, Hafez El Ali, and William Tayoun at the Lang Performing Arts Center at Swarthmore College, in Media, Pennsylvania.
The concert, "Music and Memory: Legacy in a New World" featured a repertoire of traditional, folk, and popular Arab music as well as original compositions. It also incorporated improvisations on a variety of instruments, including the nay (reed flute), buzuq (long-necked lute), and 'ud (short-necked lute). This concert showcased the exquisite musicianship of Dr. Racy (on nay, buzuq, and ‘ud) and members of MidEast Ensemble: Joseph Tayoun (percussion), Roger Mgrdichian (‘ud), Adeeb Refela (violin), Hafez El Ali (percussion/vocals), and William Tayoun (percussion).
The Middle East Center and Al-Bustan will also co-sponsor a free Arab music demonstration workshop by Dr. Racy in West Philadelphia while in our great city.