This is one of a series of diaries I will be posting over the next week or so, introducing the artists who will be performing here in the People's Republic of Cambridge on the 24th of October. The occasion? International Climate Change Awareness Day. The concert?
It's called "Playing for the Planet."
Follow me below the flip to find out more about the wonderful women's music ensemble called Libana, to hear some of their exquisite singing, and to get connected to what's going to be a really exciting event.
On Saturday, October 24, six different Boston-based performers of international music and dance will join together to draw attention to the global climate crisis. Featured artists include: Balkan and European music by members of the internationally acclaimed ensemble Libana; contemporary Indian classical dance with the Aparna Sindhoor Dance Theater; Japanese classical music for koto and shakuhachi with Ayakano Cathleen Read & Elizabeth Reian Bennett; Hindustani classical music with Warren Senders and The Raga Ensemble; middle-Eastern music with Beth Bahia Cohen, and traditional drumming and dance of Ghana with the Agbekor Drum and Dance Society. The music begins at 6:30 pm, at the First Congregational Church of Cambridge, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA. Tickets are $20; $15 students/seniors. All proceeds will go to the environmental organization www.350.org. For information, please go to the concert website.
Let's meet Libana, a group of wonderful musicians who have been sharing their work with the world for over three decades.
Libana - International women's music ensemble
Libana: Sure as the Wind
Libana is a women's world music ensemble that illuminates the creativity, vision, and spirit of the world's women through the performance of traditional and contemporary music and dance. By raising awareness and appreciation for diverse cultural expressions and the universal themes that unite us all, Libana inspires intercultural understanding, healing, and peacebuilding.
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Libana takes its name from a 10th century Moorish woman, who was a poet, philosopher, and musician, symbolically representing women's creativity and vision throughout time. The group was founded by its Artistic Director, Susan Robbins in 1979, with the idea of exploring and performing music and dance which reflect women's often undocumented creative contributions to their cultures. For the past 29 years, they have taken audiences throughout North America and Europe on inspiring and celebratory musical journeys, weaving together the songs, dances and instrumental music of the world's cultures, especially as handed down through the artistic traditions of women.
Their repertoire of ancient melodies and contemporary tunes is performed a cappella and with a vast array of instruments including guitar, dumbek, accordion, oud, naqqara, clarinet and double bass. Their music is drawn from the divergent cultural expressions of the Mediterranean, the Balkans, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Libana's music and dance go directly to the heart, inspiring audiences with wonder in the commonality of the global community.
Link
Libana - Lullaby
The music critics rave about Libana:
"Anyone who enjoyed the recent `Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares' recordings
should enjoy Libana, for not only does the group achieve the same haunting
vocal harmonies, it also provides far more variety."
The Washington Post
"There's something otherworldly about the beautiful, ethereal singing of Libana..."
Minneapolis Star Tribune
"...diverse, colorful, a wonder to behold..."
The Boston Globe
"Their multi-layered harmonies and their proficiency on indigenous instruments create a many-faceted, entrancing sound few world-music groups can aspire to."
The Boston Phoenix
Link
Libana - Autumn Time
Not just performers, these dedicated women are also passionate teachers. Libana offers workshops and masterclasses:
Aside from concert performances of women's world music, members of Libana offer workshops to the general public and educational programs to schools.
Libana's song workshops:
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teach rounds and chants from many cultures around the world
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explore healthy vocal production and personal self expression
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foster community building through the communal process of singing together
Link
I've known Susan Robbins, Libana's artistic director, for many years. She is a fine teacher, a brilliant singer, and a dedicated professional. When I conceived the idea of "Playing for the Planet," it was Susan whom I called first, and her response was immediate and affirmative. It's an honor to have Libana as part of the lineup for this concert.
If you live in Massachusetts, please participate in an event on October 24. Here's a link to the Mass Climate Action Network, which gives you a full list of planned activities.
If you don't live in Massachusetts, but you know someone who does...let them know about this.
And if you can make it to "Playing for the Planet," please come up and introduce yourself.