Press Release
The Backus Community Center in International Falls is pleased to welcome The Rose Ensemble on Sunday, Sept. 18.
The group is performing “Jerusalem, Treasures from the Holy Land,” which is the first of six performances in the 2016-17 Backus Performing Arts Series.
The concert program, created in collaboration with three Israeli and Palestinian guest artists, features centuries of music from and about the city of Jerusalem.
In addition to the concerts, the complete troupe of 11 musicians will offer in each city free educational events in schools, libraries, and community centers.
“Jerusalem is a name that evokes 3,000 years of human history,” noted Rose Ensemble founder and artistic director Jordan Sramek.
“The physical city holds profound religious and cultural significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, but Jerusalem and the greater Holy Land also represent a celestial realm, rich in symbolism and spiritual history for the children of Abraham,” Sramek added.
“This programmatic concept is fertile ground for musicological and cultural research, and the elements of this program will reflect what the city has meant to people since ancient times.”
“Jerusalem” features vocal music from a wide range of traditions and styles, including Sufi mystical songs, Latin and Yemenite chant, Hebrew cantillation, spiritual music from across the Arab world, and a huge array of Middle Eastern instruments.
Featured guest artists include Iraqi-born, Israeli violinist and oud player Yair Dalal; Jerusalem-born, Palestinian multi-instrumentalist Zafer Tawil; and Israeli-born, Middle Eastern percussionist Dror Sinai.
Join The Rose Ensemble for a free sneak peek at their Jerusalem concert 4 p.m. at the Backus Auditorium.
This one-hour educational event will feature music and a wealth of information about the research and history behind the concert program.
This event is free, open to the public, and suitable for all ages.
Complimentary wine and cheese will be served.
