Daniel Pearl Concert — Middle Eastern and Sephardic Music Oct. 20
In an evening of Middle Eastern and Sephardic music, renowned singer Galeet Dardashti will lead Divahn--the edgy, all-female powerhouse Mizrahi (Middle Eastern Jewish) ensemble, at a free concert at the Quick Center next Tuesday, October 20, at 7:30 p.m.
The group has gained an international following with its thrilling live shows that feature a fresh and fiery take on Jewish music: eclectic Indian, Middle Eastern, and Latin percussion, lush string arrangements and vocals spanning Hebrew, Judeo-Spanish, Persian, Arabic, and Aramaic. The program will feature traditional and original songs with smooth harmonies, entrancing improvisations, and funky arrangements.
to listen to the band’s music.
As the granddaughter of Yona Dardashti, the most renowned singer of Persian classical music in Iran in his day, and daughter of highly esteemed cantor Farid Dardashti, Galeet Dardashti (vocalist, composer, guitarist and percussionist) is the first woman in her family to continue her family tradition of distinguished Persian and Jewish musicianship.
With Divahn, Dardashti has performed in venues ranging from top international concert halls and festivals to the most prestigious clubs in New York City and has appeared with some of the most renowned master musicians. The band’s members include Rebecca Cherry (violin, vocals); Eleanor Norton (cello, vocals); Sejal Kukadia (tabla, vocals); Elizabeth Pupo-Walker (percussion, vocals); and Lila Sklar (violin, vocals). As one of the few groups performing Mizrahi and Judeo-Arab music in the United States, Divahn welcomes its audiences to a beautiful sphere of shared Jewish and Muslim culture.
Dardashti also pursues her passion for Jewish music and culture as an anthropologist. She holds a Ph.D. in anthropology, specializing in cultural politics and contemporary Middle Eastern/Arab music in Israel.
The event, sponsored by the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, is open to the public and is part of the Daniel Pearl World Music Days Concert series that honors the life and legacy of the slain journalist. His parents created this musical series to reflect Daniel’s own belief (as a skilled violinist) that music can bring people together. No tickets are required, but reservations are requested. Call 203-254-4000, ext. 2066 or email bennettcenter@fairfield.edu
