Sacred Sounds of the Middle East: Film & Concert!

$18 / $15 JCC Member Value Price

No one turned away for lack of funds; contact or 651.448.7472 for questions, financial assistance or to reserve tickets over the phone.

2pm Film Screening: Egypt, A Love Song

2022 / 74 min / Israel / Hebrew, Arabic, English

Iris Zaki embarks on an intimate journey with her father through the extraordinary story of her legendary grandmother, the Egyptian singer Souad Zaki. A cinematic project that spans generations and continents, unpacking the complex relationship of Jewish/Arab identity and culture.

3:30-4pm Intermission with refreshments

4pm Bridging Cultures Concert: Eliyahu Sills (Flute) and Faisal Zedan (Percussion) of the Qadim Ensemble

Eliyahu Sills and Faisal Zedan offer an enchanting experience of music that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. With over two decades of collaboration, they have cultivated a profound synergy that resonates deeply with audiences. Eliyahu's mastery of ancient flutes from various Middle Eastern and Indian traditions, coupled with Faisal's skillful percussion, creates a rich tapestry of sound that transports listeners to distant lands and ancient times.

Through their performance, they bridge cultures and unite hearts, inviting audiences on a journey of spiritual and musical discovery. Eliyahu's expertise with instruments like the Persian Nay, Turkish Ney, Arabic Nai, and Hindustani Bansuri, alongside Faisal's command of traditional Middle Eastern drums, allows them to evoke the essence of ancestral traditions. Their concert is more than just a musical performance; it's a profound exploration of heritage, harmony, and the universal language of music.

Eliyahu Sills is a highly acclaimed musician known for his mastery of multiple instruments and his dedication to bridging diverse musical traditions. With a deep love for his art, Eliyahu explores folkloric and spiritual music from various Middle Eastern lineages, Indian Hindustani Ragas, and the multifaceted branches of African-American music.

As the leader of The Qadim Ensemble, Eliyahu showcases his dedication to uniting cultures through music. He and his band have earned recognition with their performances and recordings, including one album that reached #7 on Billboard’s World Music charts. Eliyahu captivates audiences with soulful performances. His authenticity and skill resonate deeply, drawing listeners into the rich tapestry of his musical expression.

With over three decades of experience and mastery of instruments including the bansuri, ney, and upright bass, Eliyahu continues to enchant audiences nationwide, from large concerts to intimate solo performances.

Faisal Zedan, Hand Percussion - Born in Beirut, Lebanon, and raised in Oum Dbaib, Syria, Faisal Zedan grew up impassioned with the derbekki drum. At the age of 15, he embarked on a journey of learning through exposure to a wide repertoire of Arabic classical and contemporary music. A great love for drumming and years of practice resulted in his mastery of Arabic percussion instruments including derbekki, dahullah, riq and def (Arabic/Turkish frame drum).

“Superb musicianship and palpable enthusiasm to each performance. Eliyahu’s ney flute...creating a sense of human communication with the divine.”

— All Things Considered, NPR

"An organic blend of ancient and modern...stunning...expressive...warm...a magical collection...full of heart, passion, and virtuosity." -Seamus

EliyahuMusic.com

This event is part of Minnesota JCC's 30th year Twin Cities Jewish Film Festival celebration and Sephardi/Mizrahi Music Series in the month of July 2024. See our other events:

July 17 (virtual): Tamar's Journey from Tunisia to Minnesota through Song

July 25: Flory's Flame: A Sephardic Music Legacy through Story and Song

For the safety and security of our members, guests and staff, you must present a government issued ID to gain access to the Minnesota JCC campuses. Thank you for your cooperation.

Bo’u Nashir, a program of the Minnesota JCC, is a new series of Jewish communal music experiences in the Twin Cities that connects our diverse community through song and story, roots into Jewish musical traditions from across the diaspora, and celebrates local contemporary Jewish music. bounashir.org

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Minnesota JCC Capp Center St. Paul, 1375 St. Paul Avenue, Saint Paul, United States