Bio:

The Qadim Ensemble consists of musicians from Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Arabic and Persian traditions, celebrating the common musical and spiritual heritage of the region’s cultures, while honoring the great diversity found within them.

“Qadim” is a word found in both Arabic and Hebrew meaning “ancient,” In both languages a variation of the word means, “that which will come.”

The Qadim Ensemble embodies the ability to rise above the political conflicts that plague the Middle East.  Through their shared love and dedication to music, they are able to unify in their message of peace and brotherhood.  Acclaimed for their passionate performances, they have attracted a growing global audience who are responding to their authentic musicianship and timely message.

Performances:

Eliyahu Sills and The Qadim Ensemble offer workshops, master classes, Q&A sessions, and residencies for musicians, music students, and people interested in cross-cultural understanding and building peaceful dialogue through musical and historical education.

 

Cultural, Musical & Religious Heritages of the Middle East: Developing cross-cultural understanding and creating dialogue

Gain an understanding of the historical, cultural, and religious foundations of the many kinds of music of the Middle East. Explore how this knowledge can create more positive interactions and dialogue among people of different backgrounds, such as Muslims, Christians, Jews, Arabs, Iranians, Israelis and Palestinians.

 

Cross-cultural Middle Eastern music workshops

Music of the many cultural, religious, and ethnic peoples of the Middle East: Lecture –Demonstration, and hands on music instruction.

Learn about the music of the Muslims, Christians, Jews, Arabs, Persians, Turks, Armenians, Greeks, and Sufis and their cross-fertilization, and interactions throughout history.

 

Wandering Dove – an Offering of Hebrew and Arabic Song

Featuring: Qadeim Ensemble, World renowned Palestinian qanun master and vocalist Ali Paris, and acclaimed Persian Sufi dancer Miriam Peretz

A concert of Arabic and Hebrew songs featuring the unifying motif of the dove.   The symbol of the wandering dove is central to both Arabic and Hebrew poetry, as well as in Muslim and Jewish liturgy.

The symbol of the wandering dove has been interpreted by Jewish sages to represent the soul on its journey as it strives towards a home of peace.  Birds and doves appear equally in Arabic poetry to represent longing for refuge and safety.  In both Hebrew and Arabic liturgy, the dove also often represents the soul’s striving towards the Divine, homeplace of our souls. Finally, the dove is known to us all as the harbinger of peace.

The songs in this concert range from soulful and heart-opening to up-beat and rhythmic, with sing-along (and dance along!) moments.

This show is our personal musical prayer for peace in the Middle East and all over the world; in hopes all wandering doves find their place of peace and rest!

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Although many of the students in our audience may not have known what to expect from Qadim Ensemble, it was amazing to witness how quickly they became engaged with the ensemble’s music. The musicians did a wonderful job conveying the message that, despite the various cultural and religious differences of those from the Middle East, music can truly be a unifying form of expression.

Kelly Ann RyanAssistant Director, Student Affairs & Office of Campus Life/Penn State Berks
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Beautifully presented, the players bring superb musicianship and palpable enthusiasm to each performance. . . creating a sense of human communication with the divine.

All Things Considered, NPR
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The Jewish and Arabic musicians who comprise this eclectic world-music ensemble show the power of unity.

The Boston Globe
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Listeners are deeply moved.

Jewish Telegraph, London
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Visionary . . . achingly beautiful . . .

San Francisco Chronicle