Cultural Engagement Series: International Qanun Performer Ali Amr

Ali Amr, an award-winning qanun performer and vocalist, will be performing at the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County Auditorium on April 25 at 7:00 pm.  The qanun is a traditional Middle Eastern instrument, similar to a hammered dulcimer, zither, or autoharp.  Ali has explored a variety of musical genres and has developed a unique style that combines traditional Middle Eastern music with elements of hip hop, jazz, and soul.   He has been recognized with numerous national and international awards.   A graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston he now resides in New York City and tours with his own group, “The Experiment.”

Ali, who was born in Morocco, grew up in Ramallah, Palestine.  He has appeared in shows throughout Europe, Asia, Scandinavia and the United States.   Ali has collaborated with Quincy Jones, Alejandro Sanz, Chick Corea, Concha Buika, Bobby Mcferrin, Javier Limon and Jack Dejohnette.  Performances include Spain’s Festival de Peralada, North Sea Jazz Festival, Istanbul Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Bean Town Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, BPC International Folk Festival, and the Middle East Festival.

The concert will be held in the UWMC Auditorium at 7 pm on April 25, 2014.  Tickets are $10 ($15 after April 15).  Tickets can be purchased by contacting Connie Nikolai (connie.nikolai@uwc.edu) or Darlene Kalfahs at 920-734-3797.

Co-sponsored by Companion Synod/Global Mission Task Force – ECSW and the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy & Service (WIPPS).