Tag Archives: Bassam Saba

Interview – Bassam Saba and April Centrone speak about their “baby”: the NY Arabic Orchestra


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Text and interview by Jim Hoey
Video camera: Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi

The New York Arabic Orchestra has quietly been honing their craft for the past three years, after forming out of a series of workshops started by founders Bassam Saba (oud, nay, flute, violin) and April Centrone (lead percussion). What they accomplished on February 12th at the Symphony Space was unique: the only Arabic orchestra in NYC comprised of musicians from the Middle East, the United States, Latin America, and Asia to be joined here by star vocalists Salma Habib (of Palestine) and Naji Youssef (of Lebanon) for a presentation of authentic Arabic songs.

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Music listings – 2/7 through 2/13

1. Hillard Greene IN & OUT ENSEMBLE

Date: Monday, February 7, 2011
Time: 9pm
Venue: the University of the Streets (130 east 7th street. 2nd floor. NY)
Ticket: $10
Genre: Jazz/improve

A night of challanging Jazz: Robert Picket – piano, Newman Taylor Baker – drums, Hilliard “Hill” Greene – bass who is the bassist and music director for Jimmy Scott and The Jazz Expressions; and former bassist and concert master for Cecil Taylor.

2. Gregory Porter: Grammy Celebration Performance

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Bassam Saba and his New York Arabic Orchestra @ Symphony Space this coming Saturday!!!

Text by Jim Hoey

Date: Saturday, February 12, 2011
Time: 8 pm
Venue: Peter Jay Sharp Theatre /Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025-6990)
Tickets: $25; Members, Students, Seniors, Children $20; Day of Show $30 – buy tickets
Genre: Arabic tradtional music

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Just as protests around the Arabic world are gaining momentum and causing real change in nations like Egypt, Jordan, and Yemen, the internationally acclaimed New York Arabic Orchestra returns to Symphony Space for its annual winter event.

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