Iraqi composer and multi-instrumentalist Ameen Mokdad was trapped in hiding under the brutality of ISIS for two years in Mosul. During that time he survived and told his story by writing an extraordinary repertoire of music… in secret. He arranged it for a collaborative album with Cuatro Puntos Ensemble. It was recorded with Ameen playing violin & various Iraqi percussion instruments, reciting his own Arabic poetry, and singing. These 19 songs form a soundscape that transverses a range of emotions: fear, defeat, hope, and rebirth.

THE CURVE has had live performances around the world since its creation in Mosul, Iraq. The album has enjoyed truly international status, with appearances in films, airtime on NPR, and streaming success that puts it in the top 7% of all albums on Spotify. Now, after battling visa issues for 5 years, Ameen Mokdad joins Cuatro Puntos Ensemble and Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet LIVE AND IN PERSON to tell his story live to American audiences for the first time.

TICKETS

 

All are welcome to join the Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. James for our “Blue Christmas” service at 7:30 PM on Thursday, December 15. Featuring jazz music and candle lighting, this is a service of comfort for those for whom the Christmas season brings feelings of sadness, grief, or loss.

Celebrate the Feast of All Saints with the Anglican tradition of Choral Evensong, sung by the Adult Choir of St. Paul’s on the Green. Featuring the Preces and Responses by Richard Ayleward, anthems by Stanley Marchant and Stephanie Martin, and the Evening Canticles in D by John Brewer.
Pre-service organ recital to be presented at 4:15 by organist Josh Ehlebracht. A reception will follow. All are welcome.

This landmark instrument is the culmination of a nine-year process of discernment, design, production, and installation. Containing a total of 4,639 pipes, it was built in Durham, England, and represents the largest organ made by Harrison & Harrison in the USA. The weekend’s celebration begins with an inaugural recital given by Mr. James O’Donnell. Mr. O’Donnell is Organist and Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey, and one of the most celebrated concert organists, choral conductors, and liturgical musicians of our time. We are delighted to share this landmark organ with our local community, and look forward to welcoming organ friends far and wide to a wonderful weekend of celebration. Festive reception following the recital in the Parish Hall. Tickets are $40 ($125 for special patron seating; $20 for students with ID). The ticket price includes a full color souvenir program.

Ekklesia Ballet presents “Body and Land” in a one-night only engagement at Trinity on the Green in New Haven, CT. This performances celebrates the relationship between human beings and their environment, and fittingly serves as the opening to Trinity’s art show “Sacred Earth: An Exhibition on Faith, Creation, and Human Responsibility” running June 17-26. Doors open for browsing the art show at 5 pm, and Ekklesia takes the stage at 7 pm.

Admission is free. Please reserve parking on the church premises for those with mobility concerns.

Out of the pain and suffering of being enslaved and losing their homelands came the miracle of the glorious music of the American Spiritual. As they worked and worshiped they sang their stories through ‘coded’ lyrics featuring appropriations of stories from the religion of their enslavers, of freedom trains, promised lands, and deep rivers.

An accomplished, recorded pianist and composer and Chair of Jazz Studies at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, Pete Malinverni has had a career in inspirational settings including 18 years as the Minister of Music at Devoe Baptist Church, pianist and conductor at Westchester Reform Temple and Music Director at the Pound Ridge Community Church. Mr. Malinverni will discuss this musical history and perform a program of songs with some of his SUNY Purchase students.