Date: March 4, 2016
Venue: The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Scotland
(Photo courtesy of Francesco Saggio)
Concert review by Fiona Mactaggart
Date: January 10, 2016
Venue: Drom (NY)
Review by Dawoud Kringle
Zikrayat, the Arab music and dance ensemble offered their first performance of 2016 at Drom, NYC. Led by violinist / composer / teacher Sami Abu Shumays, Zikrayat (the Arabic word for “memories”) presents the classical music and the dance traditions of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and the greater Arab World. They also perform rare music from the “golden age” of Egyptian musical cinema (1940’s-60’s), traditional and standard pieces, and original compositions in these styles.
The sound at Drom on this night was quiet, by “club” standards. Zikrayat had no need to overwhelm the listener. They knew, not thought but knew, the music was beautiful on its own terms. There was no need or urge to prove anything. The set began with a varied exploration of the traditions to which Zikrayat is devoted.
Date: November 20, 2015
Venue: The Firehouse Space (NY)
Review by Constance Cooper
TOPOS KOLEKTIV
Marek Matvija – shakuhachi
Hana Hrachovinová – harp
Tomáš Kerle – percussions
Tereza Kerle – performance
Anna Friedländer – voice
Martin Klusák – keyboard instruments
Guest musician: Steven Louis Cohn, piano and shakuhachi
Date: October 18, 2015
Venue: CA Music Room (NY)
Review by Dawoud Kringle
The double bill at the CA Music Room of Kamran Hooshmand and SoSaLa promised to be a fascinating musical experience. This was the first time I attended an event at the CA Music Room. The venue (actually the home of photographer Clara Aich) was decorated in marvelous taste, and had fascinating art work throughout. The atmosphere was perfectly suited for enjoying music in an intimate setting.
Photo by Yasi Omrani
(Photo by Ian Douglas)
Date: September 29, 2015
Venue: New York Live Arts (NY)
Review by Constance Cooper
