This festive concert, conducted by Nabil Azzam, bridges two distinct cultures. The program will showcase two works with text/lyrics by Chicano poet José Montoya. Canciones del Barrio was commissioned by Steven Loza and the UCLA Department of Ethnomusicology. It was composed by Thomas Pasatieri for voice and string quartet. Montoya’s poem "La Yarda de la Escuelita" is featured in a composition by Nabil Azzam where the poem is read by a narrator. Improvisatory in nature, this piece also features performances by Department of Ethnomusicology faculty members Steven Loza (trumpet), Münir Beken (‘ud), and A. J. Racy (nay). Guest Artists include well-known mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán, Palestinian singer Woroud, Lebanese singer Maurice Raad, and Jordanian professor and singer Ayman Tayseer. The concert also features orchestral arrangements of popular, traditional, and classical Arab music.
Under the direction of UCLA Department of Ethnomusicology alum Nabil Azzam, Ph.D., Los Angeles-based MESTO (Multi-Ethnic Star Orchestra) was established to combine the traditions of many ethnic musical genres and those of Western classical traditions. MESTO focuses on fostering new genres of musical expressions that combine the essence of non-European traditions; namely, styles of music based on ethnic scales and rhythms. MESTO builds cross-cultural understanding with its multi-ethnic music, musicians and audience.
Tickets may be purchased through the UCLA Central Ticket Office at 310-825-2101
Cost : Tickets: $60 general admission, $25 students
Sponsor(s): Center for Near Eastern Studies, This concert is a production of the UCLA Center for Latino Arts in conjunction with the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, Department of Ethnomusicology.