The Qadim Ensemble Ancient Music of the Near East

Peacewave presents a Concert for Peace with Qadim Ensemble Ancient Music of the Near East on February 24, 2024, at 8 PM in Sebastopol at Subud Hall.

Qadim is a word found in both Arabic and Hebrew meaning ‘ancient’ as well as ‘that which will come.’   The ensemble’s repertoire includes Arabic, Jewish, Turkish Sufi, Hebrew-Yemenite, Armenian, Greek, Ladino, and Moroccan music, The musicians are out to create musical unity in a region of the world better known for division and conflict. In the process, they provide a gentle introduction into a vast realm of largely unfamiliar music. The group’s debut album, Eastern Wind, is a diverse set of offerings that are beautifully presented. The players bring palpable enthusiasm to each performance. celebrating the common musical and spiritual heritage of the region’s cultures while honoring the great diversity found within them.
Acclaimed for their passionate performances, The Qadim Ensemble is composed of accomplished and acclaimed musicians. The San Francisco-based band has attracted a growing global audience who are responding to their authentic musicianship and timely message of peace and cross-cultural appreciation.

This concert features Rachel Valfer on vocals and oud (lute) Eliyahu Sills on ney (ancient Middle Eastern flute), Faisal Zedan on Arabic percussion, Miriam Peretz on percussion and dance, and special guest, Jim Grippo on Qanun, the Middle Eastern 72 string lap harp.

Opening band Donya ReezaDonya Reeza is a collective of musicians dedicated
to the study of Indian, Greek, Persian, and Turkish traditional acoustic music. Co-led by Alexander
Karvelas and Mazyar Karandish, Donya Reeza breaths life into the traditional repertoires of these
cultures, celebrating their distinct roots, weaving their common threads, and inspiring diverse
audiences to hold their enduring beauty.