Ensemble coming to Yarmouth
Hear! Here! hosts Amir Amiri quintet at Holy Trinity Church on March 13
Hear! Here! Society will host the next concert in its Debut Atlantic series on Wednesday, March 13 at Holy Trinity Church in Yarmouth at 7 p.m.
The Amir Amiri Ensemble is a quintet of virtuoso musicians from the Persian tradition, and includes Amir Amiri (santur), Abdul-Wahab Kayyali (oud), Reza Abaee (ghaychak), Omar Abu Afech (Viola), and Hamin Honour (percussion).
They are appearing in Yarmouth as part of an eight-concert tour of Atlantic Canada.
Advance tickets ($25 and $10 for students) are available online at www.hearheresociety.ca or by calling (902) 881-2538. Tickets ($30) will also be available at the door. Holy Trinity Church is located at 61 William St.
Amir Amiri Ensemble's repertoire presents a fusion of traditional and spiritual Persian music with folkloric and modern elements.
“Santur player, composer, and cultural inventor Amir Amiri has spent his decadeslong career exploring the limits of his music and keeps coming to the conclusion that there are none,” reads a media release. “As a santur player, he seeks to bring this ancient instrument into contemporary musical conversations, engaging across borders and transcending genres.”
Hear! Here! Society cochair Virginia Stoddard says the decision to program this ensemble reflects the growing community of foreign-born residents in southwestern Nova Scotia.
“The vitality and diversity of their cultural traditions enrich our community,” she said.
The Amir Amiri Ensemble is inspired by the diversity and fluidity of the many musical influences of Iran.
“The ensemble creates an engaging and distinctive sound,” the release describes. “In seeking to expand the boundaries of Persian musical traditions, balancing heritage and innovation, they find that the possibilities are limitless.”
Founded in 1979, Debut Atlantic is one of this country's most dynamic classical music touring organizations. The Debut Atlantic tour has evolved into a much-coveted opportunity for Canada's emerging classical musicians.
As a local musical presenters' group, Hear! Here! Society has been a proud partner of Debut Atlantic for 15 years.
Stoddard also acknowledged the continuing support of Arts Nova Scotia, saying, “We are only able to present many of our amazing concerts due to financial support we receive from Arts Nova Scotia.”