Phantom Waves: Amir ElSaffar

A Performance in the Historic Chapel

Phantom Waves is an innovative music series crafted for the distinctive acoustic spaces of Green-Wood’s Historic Chapel and Catacombs. Headlined by musicians making waves with experimental approaches to voice, instrumentation, and composition, the series offers immersive sonic journeys that blur the line between the living and the spectral. The 2024 series is curated by acclaimed performer Gelsey Bell, recognized by The New York Times as “one of New York’s most adventurous musicians.”

Amir ElSaffar has created a unique musical language: blending the sounds of his ancestral heritage—the Iraqi Maqam—with jazz, classical, and other Western genres. He is one of the few musicians in the world who perform maqam, a centuries old, now endangered tradition in Arabic music. A classically trained trumpeter, he has innovated new techniques to perform microtones and ornaments idiomatic to Arabic music that are not typically heard on the instrument. The New York Times described ElSaffar as a “celebrated trumpeter and composer who explores vital connections between jazz and Arabic music.”. For this intimate solo performance, ElSaffar breathes new life into ancient Iraqi melodies with his expressive and evocative sound, inviting listeners to join him in entering into meditative trance-like states. To learn more about his work, visit ElSaffar’s website.

Please note that if only 1 ticket shows as available during the purchase process that is the last ticket available.

Before Purchasing Your Ticket, Please Note:

• Be On Time! There is no late entry to this performance.
• This performance takes place in the Historic Chapel.

• Where To Go: Contactless check-in ONLY takes place at the Gothic Arch near the Main Entrance on Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232). No paper or e-tickets will be necessary, attendees will be checked in by name.
• For Your Comfort and Safety: The 5-minute walk to the Historic Chapel includes uneven terrain and stairs. We strongly encourage attendees to wear suitable footwear.
• Please note that the Historic Chapel is a historic building with stairs and is not ADA accessible or compliant.
• 6:30pm Performance: Arrive at the Main Entrance for check-in no later than 6:20pm.
• 8:30pm Performance: Arrive at the Main Entrance for check-in no later than 8:20pm.
• Further information about arrival and concert notes will be sent in advance to attendees.
• Feeling Sick? Stay home if you are feeling sick or running a fever.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, United States