World Music Institute Concert in New York: Sacred Kurdish Tanbur Music

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01/30/08

World Music Institute Concert in New York: Sacred Kurdish Tanbur Music

Ali Akbar Moradi

Saturday, February 02, 2008 8:00 pm

Peter Norton Symphony Space
Broadway at 95th St
New York

The music of Kurdistan, little known in the US, will be performed by Ali Akbar Moradi, the greatest living master of the tanbur. Known for his work as a soloist and with Shahram Nazeri and Kayhan Kalhor, he has created new interest for the tanbur — an ancient lute traditionally used in religious ceremonies. His program features meditative improvisations based on the repertoire of the Yarsan people, the followers of a mystical faith associated with Sufism, who live in western Iran. Accompaniment will be provided by Ulas Ozdemir (baglama - lute), and Moradi's sons, Arash (tanbur and setar - lutes) and Kourosh (percussion).

Tickets $30
WMI Friends $25
Students $15

Purchase tickets from World Music Institute.
www.worldmusicinstitute.org

Ali Akbar Moradi
Born in Kermanshah in 1957, Ali Akbar Moradi is the leading tanbur player from Kurdistan, Iran. He began playing tanbur at the age of six. His grandfather loved the tanbur and encouraged the young Moradi to play. Teachers would come to their house to give lessons on the tanbur, and by the time Moradi was 10, he was considered an accomplished tanbur player. Throughout his youth he studied with various masters of the instrument until he was accepted as a virtuoso. From 12 years on Moradi sought and took lessons from the grand masters of Kurdish tanbur: Sayyed Veli Husseini, Sayyed Mirza Khafashyan, Sayyed Mahmoud Alevi, Allahmouradi Hamedi, who were also all vocalists. By the age of 30 he completed learning the entire 72 maghams played on tanbur. Mr. Moradi's professional career began in 1971 as a member of the first tanbur ensemble in Kermanshah. He has won many awards including two honorary diplomas at major music festivals in Iran. Moradi has performed as a soloist and with ensembles in festivals throughout the world. He has a unique style that sets him apart from other players of this instrument.
Read more on SevenEighths.com.

... Payvand News - 01/30/08 ...