Raga Maqam explores the shared threads of Indian ragas and Iraqi maqam, the venerable tradition of structured-improvisatory composition. Featuring new work composed by Iraqi American multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Amir ElSaffar in conjunction with members of Brooklyn Raga Massive and maqam virtuosos from NYC and beyond, Raga Maqam imbues fresh life to their unique conversation between these ancient styles. The Raga Maqam ensemble unites virtuosic artists hailing from America, India, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, and Jordan with instrumentation just as eclectic as its musicians, featuring champions of the santur, oud, violin, sitar, bansuri, tabla and more.
Watch Raga Maqam at Lincoln Center.
Featured Artists
Arun Ramamurthy – violin
George Ziadeh - oud
Jay Gandhi – bansuri
Firas Zreik – kanun
Hidayat Khan – sitar
Naseem Alatrash – cello
Nitin Mitta – tabla
Zafer Tawil – oud, percussion