Intercultural Residency Series
The Intercultural Residency Series (ICRS) brings to Brandeis University artists of high accomplishment from around the world. The goal of these residencies is to deepen understanding and
appreciation of diverse cultures through exploring artistic
traditions, promoting intellectual inquiry, and encouraging cultural
exchange.
The ICRS takes place in the University setting and links the creative arts with academic inquiry in explorations of culture, history, and tradition. Building on the musical narrative of the World Music Series and the educational reflective goals of MusicUnitesUS, the Intercultural Residency Series at Brandeis University houses, for a few days each semester, a musical ensemble whose ethos is embedded in a particular social, cultural, and/or political setting. With music as the common medium, the ICRS addresses the eternal questions of social justice and peaceful coexistence in the global community through events that offer opportunities for intellectual inquiry, reflective process, experiential learning, and creative expression. Workshops with Brandeis students, integration with curricula of ongoing courses, panel discussions and lectures by Brandeis and visiting faculty, and dialogues in informal social gatherings connected with the residency invite the Brandeis community to experience the arts and facilitate a greater understanding of diversity. With support and collaboration from many departments and programs on campus, the series approaches cultural exploration with interdisciplinary, intercultural perspectives. Taking its cue from the diverse cultures on the Brandeis campus, the series has as its goal a deeper appreciation of the many worldviews that coexist today.
Fall Semester Residency:
Obbini Tumbao: Afro-Cuban Rhythms
Residency Events: October 21-24, 2009 (view schedule)
World Music Series Concert, Oct. 24, 8:00 PM in Slosberg Recital Hall
“If Mambo Kings Poncho Sanchez and Tito Puente got together to jam with Herb Alpert and Ry Cooder of the Buena Vista Social Club, it might sound something like Obbini Tumbao.”
— Liza Weisstuch, Boston Globe
With musical roots in Spain and West Africa, Cuban music has claimed its place on the world stage. Congas, timbales, and claves join brass, piano, and bass to meet in Cuban son. Add vocals and let Obbini Tumbaotake you on an aural cruise to the Caribbean.
Residency events will include open classes, music and dance workshops, film, education programs and concerts, all focusing on the music, history, and culture of Cuba and the Afro-Cuban diasporas.
Spring Semester Residency:
Alim and Fargana Qasimov: Spiritual Music of Azerbaijan
Cultural Collaboration in the Globalized Age
Residency Events:March 4-6, 2010 (view schedule)
World Music Series Concert: Saturday, March 6, 8:00 PM in Slosberg
Recital Hall
Download Flyer of Complete Residency Events, March 4-6
Alim Qasimov is one of the foremost mugham singers in Azerbaijan. He was awarded the prestigious International IMC-UNESCO Music Prize in 1999, one of the highest international accolades for music. His music is characterised by his vocal improvisation and represents a move away from the traditional style of mugham. His work has been influenced by, and compared to, the music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Qasimov has recorded nine albums, three of which are mugham albums with his daughter, Fargana Qasimov. He has performed internationally, including concerts in: France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Iran and the United States.
For this residency, Alim Qasimov is joined his daughter Fargana, and a 4-person ensemble that includes tar, kemanche, balaban, and percussionfor a stunning presentation of music from Central Asia. More on the music
Residency events will include open classes, music and dance workshops, film, education programs and concerts, all focusing on the music, history, and culture of Azerbaijan and Central Asia. This residency is curated by ethnomusicologist Theodore Levin and produced in collaboration with the Aga Khan Music Initiative, a program of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Links:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~music/faculty/levin.html
http://www.akdn.org/aktc_music_about.asp