Please join the UCSB Middle East Ensemble as we present our formal Spring concert on Saturday, June 3, 2023, in UCSB’s Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall. 

Scott Marcus, Founder & Director | Sue Rudnicki, Percussion Director | Alexandra King, Dance Company Director

The concert will begin at 7:30 pm. Saturday, June 3, 2023 | 7:30 pm Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall, UCSB

We are thrilled to feature two guest vocalists, a guest dancer, and a student group performing a Palestinian dabke. UCSB senior Jena Chakoukani will perform a set of songs by the renowned Syrian singer Sabah Fakhri (1933 – 2021) and a second set of songs by the Lebanese superstar Fairouz (b. 1935). Rivka Amado, visiting Faculty in the Poli Sci Department, will present two Sephardic songs. Laura Leyl, a UCSB graduate and former member of the Ensemble’s Dance Company, will conclude the concert with an extended dance finale.

In addition, Javid John, solo vocalist, will debut his new composition in response to the recent demonstrations in Iran; Andrea Fishman, solo vocalist, will present two additional Sephardic songs; and the Ensemble chorus will present a Turkish version of a famous Greek song. As always, the Ensemble’s Dance Company will present a wonderful variety of dances, from Arab, Armenian, and Greek cultures, with choreographies by Tom Bozigian, Alexandra King, and Jenaeni Rathor. The SJP student group will present a Palestinian dance and special guest Laura Leyl will present a Turkish-style dance finale.