The Qadim Ensemble, Nov 11 house concert West Marin

This CD release concert features tracks from their new album, Entre Las Huertas, a collection of Ladino songs from the Sephardic tradition of Jews who were expelled from Spain and resettled primarily in the Ottoman Empire. A tribute to the wisdom and traditions of women of the Sephardic Diaspora, these songs tell the stories of women's lives through songs passed down over the generations. From upbeat dance tunes to soulful lullabies, and of course including the improvisations in the musical modes that are signature of the music from the Ottoman Empire, this concert will transport you to another time and place.  

The Qadim Ensemble

Qadim is a word found in both Arabic and Hebrew, meaning both “ancient” and “that which is yet to come.” The ensemble’s repertoire draws from many musical cultures of the Middle East and SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa), including Arabic, Mizrahi and Sephardic Jewish, Turkish, Armenian, Greek, and Moroccan traditions. Their music celebrates the region’s shared musical and spiritual heritage while honoring the rich diversity within it.

Acclaimed for their passionate performances, the Qadim Ensemble is composed of accomplished and internationally recognized musicians.  Led by Rachel Valfer and Eliyahu Sills on vocals, oud, reed flutes, and upright bass, accompanied by composer and kanun master Moshe Vaturi, renowned Syrian percussionist Faisal Zedan and acclaimed dancer and percussionist Miriam Peretz. 

“Beautifully presented, the players bring superb musicianship and palpable enthusiasm to each performance. Eliyahu’s ney flute along with Rachel’s succulent  vocals are stars. creating a sense of human communication with the divine.”— All Things Considered, NPR

“Visionary . . . achingly beautiful . . .”— San Francisco Chronicle

“Rooted in history but infused with a hope for a brighter, more unified tomorrow, Qadim will take you on a beautiful musical journey.”— Portland Tribune

The new album, Entre Las Huertas is out now! Listen on all streaming platforms:

  Youtube       Instagram       Facebook
 Spotify      Apple Music     Bandcamp

EliyahuMusic.com

Wednesday Nov 11 7pm West Marin -Address will be provided after registering.   Suggested donation for the artists (some of whom travel far)  $30-$45

INDIVIDUAL BIOs

Eliyahu Sills

Renowned for his mastery of multiple instruments and dedication to uniting diverse musical traditions, Eliyahu Sills is a highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalist . He delves into folkloric and spiritual music from various Middle Eastern lineages, Indian Hindustani Ragas, and African-American genres.

As leader of The Qadim Ensemble, Eliyahu breaks cultural boundaries, earning recognition with Billboard-charting recordings. With over three decades of experience and expertise on instruments including the bansuri, ney, and upright bass, Eliyahu continues to enchant audiences nationwide, from large concerts to intimate solo performances.

Rachel Valfer

Rachel Valfer is a passionate singer and oud (Arabic lute) player who brings depth of feeling to every song. She studied different Middle Eastern modal systems in Israel / Palestine for years at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and sings with several ensembles in the Bay Area. Gifted in the art of language, Rachel sings in Hebrew, Arabic, Farsi, Greek, Turkish, Ladino, and Armenian.

Faisal Zedan

Syrian-born Faisal Zedan was divinely inspired to play Arabic percussion at the age of 15. He received instruction from a distant relative, the only drummer in his village of Oum Dbaid.  Since moving to the United States, he has played with many of the greatest Arabic musicians, such as Ali Jihad Racy, Julien Jâlal Eddine Weiss, and the band Kanzaman. 

Moshe Vaturi

Moshe discovered the kanun in Jerusalem, when he was drawn to its sound echoing through a long hallway. That moment—simple, unexpected, and deeply moving—led him to study under the great pedagogue Elad Gabbai. Since then, Moshe has made the Turkish kanun part of his artistic and spiritual journey.

Now living in Nevada City, Moshe composes original pieces and performs various repertoires with ensembles in the area and around the Bay Area. Moshe’s signature is a deep musical sensitivity and tastefulness, and his compositions are regarded for their lyricism and subtle passion. 

Miriam Peretz

Miriam Peretz is an internationally celebrated dance instructor and performer.  Over the past twenty years her signature dance style has spread across continents through her international dance collective Nava, and through the intensive trainings she offers worldwide.  Miriam’s format draws heavily on sacred dances from around the world, Central Asian dance, devotional Sufi whirling and ritual.  Her movement quality and aesthetics also incorporate her years of martial arts training, contemporary dance, Flamenco, and many other world dance forms.