Media Contacts:

Natascha Bodemann | 646 388 6677 | nbodemann@fiaf.org

Milina Barry | 212 420 0200 | milina@milinabarrypr.com

 

French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF)

presents

 

World Nomads Morocco: Music

 

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco

 

April 30-May 26, 2011

New York, NY - The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF), New York's premiere French cultural center, presents six evenings of musical events from April 30 through May 26, on the occasion of the fourth edition of its annual World Nomads Festival, which this year celebrates the arts and culture of Morocco.

 

The concerts, presented in partnership with leading Moroccan and U.S. organizations, reflect the richness and diversity of Moroccan music, from the virtuosity of 18th century Judeo-Arab Andalusian nubat cycles; to the sub-Saharan African, Arab, and Berber roots of Gnaoua song and dance; to Morocco's flourishing hip-hop culture; Western classical piano; modern experimental music, and other expressions of the vibrant music of contemporary Morocco and its diaspora.

 

Recognized worldwide for its distinctive and layered cultural identity, Morocco's unique geographical location has made it a crossroad for ancient trade routes, and continues to contribute to its importance as a migratory highway for ideas and peoples. Today's Morocco shines as a hub of traditional and modern creative expression, where ancient cultural practices thrive, kept alive by a full spectrum of master artisans, performing artists, and more, while innovations are woven into vibrant contemporary artistic forms. The World Nomads Festival arrives this year at a historic time for the region to celebrate the many facets of Morocco.

 

World Nomads Morocco is curated by Zeyba Rahman, Chief Curator, and Lili Chopra, FIAF's Artistic Director.

 

To read the press release and a complete list of concerts, please click here.  


Opening Concert 

 

Orchestra of Fes with Françoise Atlan

Opening Concert, World Nomads Morocco Festival

Saturday, April 30 @ 8:30pm at Florence Gould Hall

Presented in partnership with Festival des Andalousies Atlantiques (Essaouira) and the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

 

World Nomads Morocco opens with an evening of Judeo-Arab Andalusian music performed by the acclaimed Orchestra of Fes, under the direction of eminent musician and conductor Mohamed Briouel. This rich music tradition dates back to medieval Spain and is loved by Muslims and Jews alike, throughout the Arab world and in the Sephardic diaspora.

 

The concert will feature renowned Jewish vocalist Françoise Atlan, who is considered one of the most beautiful voices of this tradition.

 

All concert attendees are invited to a Moroccan-themed reception following the concert.

 

Related Event: Françoise Atlan will participate in the special Women, Artists in Morocco lunchtime talk on May 2. Visit fiaf.org/worldnomads for more information.

 

For directions and ticket information, click here

 

To download high-res images click on links below:

Orchestra of Fes, courtesy of French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF)  

Françoise Atlan, courtesy of French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) 

Press inquiries and press tickets: 

 

Milina Barry PR | 212-420-0200 | office@milinabarrypr.com