Award-winning performer and composer, A. J. Racy is internationally recognized for his extraordinary musicianship. A master of traditional Middle Eastern instruments including the ‘ud (a lute), the nay (a reed flute), and the buzuq (a fretted lute) he has composed for and performed with the Kronos Quartet and the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, as well as for feature and documentary films. Professor of Ethnomusicology at UCLA, A.J. Racy is the recipient of numerous honors and tributes for his outstanding artistry and his continuous work toward greater intercultural understanding and cooperation.
Accompanying him on percussion will be Omar al Musfi, who has performed with the Syrian Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sting, Shakira, and Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project.
This performance is free and open to the public. For more information: cas.illinois.edu
*This performance is part of the CAS Inititiative Dissonance: Music and Globalization since Edison's Phonograph which examines how communications and technology have accelerated the pace of encounter and exchange between musical cultures. Harry Liebersohn (History) and William Kinderman (Musicology have been appointed CAS Resident Associates for this two-year initiative.
Thanks to the Center for Advanced Study for this information item.
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