Presented with the support of the Vancouver Foundation, the Ismaili Centre in Vancouver, and the Chan Centre.
Enter the sublime world of Sufi and Islamic music and dance. Sufi Journeys will feature one of the top international exponents of sufi-inspired music from Turkey, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, who has created a loyal following across a variety of communities including World Music, Middle-eastern dance, and Jazz, since he began touring 30 years ago.
He is a virtuoso on several instruments: The nay (bamboo flute), the zurna (double-reed oboe like instrument), the baglama (long-necked lute) and percussions, as well as a masterful performer on dozens more. Omar Faruk brilliantly interprets the Sufi, Folk, and Contemporary music of the Middle East. Omar will be joined with an ensemble composed of santur, percussion, and keyboards, with guest Vancouver tabla player Stefan Cihelka.
Gathering together some of the finest classically trained Persian musicians working outside Iran, the Vashaan Ensemble draws upon Iran’s rich musical past to perform joyful and memorable Persian Traditional songs Members of the group include Reza Honari (kemanche – spike fiddle), Fathieh Honari (vocals), Hamin Honari (percussion), Ali Razmi (tar Persian lute), Saina Khaledi (santur), and Ali Sajjadi (oud). Their latest project is in honour of the great poet Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī. It explores his poetry and the Persian Sufi Music which it inspires. «Vashaan» is a Baluchi word, meaning, happiness, immense joy, hope and optimism.
Rounding out the presentation is the internationally renowned Whirling Dervish, Raqib Brian Burke and his guest ensemble, known for their strong adherence to the spiritual Sufi tradition while exploring new movement vocabulary that reaches deep into the soul of those watching them.
ARTIST LINKS:
www.omarfaruktekbilek.com
WHIRLING DANCE WORKSHOP
Sunday, February 23, 2pm – 5pm
Britannia Centre, Canuck Family Education Centre
1655 William St., at Commercial Dr., north end of Grandview Park
Led by Raqib Brian Burke
Cost: Sliding-scale, $5 – $30