Unique Middle Eastern Music Ends 2014-15 Passport to the World
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 30, 2015) ‒ The final event of the year for the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences’ Passport to the World: Year of the Middle East is a rare opportunity.
Galeet Dardashti, an acclaimed singer of Iranian descent, and her all-female ensemble, Divahn, bring their edgy sound to the University of Kentucky at 7 p.m. today, April 30. The group will perform in Center Theater of the Student Center. Admission is free.
The group’s style infuses traditional and original Middle Eastern Jewish songs with sophisticated harmonies, entrancing improvisations and funky arrangements.
Their sound, so unique to America, has engendered an international following. They have performed in venues ranging from international concert halls to the most prestigious clubs in New York City. In recent months, the group has performed in Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles.
Through their music, the group creatively underscores common ground between diverse Middle Eastern cultures and religions. The group’s name comes from “Divan,” a word common to the Hebrew, Persian and Arabic peoples. It means a collection of songs or poetry.
Musicians and singers have dominated Dardashti’s heritage, dating to 19th century Persia. Her music today fuses lush string arrangements with eclectic Indian, Middle Eastern and Latin percussion plus vocals spanning the languages of the Middle East, Hebrew, Judeo-Spanish, Persian, Arabic and Aramaic.
For a sample of Dardashti’s unique sound, visit http://galeetdardashti.com/index.php