Jewish-Muslim musical works are being performed this week in central Kentucky. The week concludes with a concert at a Lexington synagogue.
University of Cambridge Research Associate Dr. Vanessa Paloma Elbaz spoke at Centre College Tuesday about Jewish-Muslim connections in Spanish and Moroccan music. Centre Associate Professor of Religion Shana Sippy says her lecture reflected a sharing of traditions.
“Ways in which we think about the mixing and sharing and merging of culture and music as a means to understanding and deepening our knowledge of one another,” said Sippy.
Musicians from Morocco and France have accompanied Paloma Elbaz to Kentucky. Sippy said the concert this weekend will be a combination of musical traditions.
“Experience and hear the sounds of both traditional and contemporary Jewish Moroccan and Maghribi music. So, both historic and contemporary,” said Sippy.
Sippy noted it’s a living art form that is preserved. She added all living art forms that are preserved are also transformed by the people who are playing them.
The performance will take place at Temple Adath Israel Sunday afternoon at 2:30. Sippy said the concert will feature both traditional and contemporary Jewish Moroccan music. Sippy said the activities are receiving support from the Jewish Heritage Fund.
Here's an extended interview with Centre Religion Professor Shana Sippy about the week's events:
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