HAMSA: Music of Andalusia, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire

East of the River presents HAMSA featuring music from the geographic regions of Andalusia, North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and the Sephardic Diaspora. Based on music using the melodic modal system referred to as the Makam, this program draws its listeners to the distinct beauty of and similarities between liturgical, folk, and Ottoman courtly music. The Hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa depicting the open right hand, an image recognized and used as a sign of protection throughout history.

“Culturally rich…Musically addictive.”  ~ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel