LA JOLLA, California — The name, Alhambra Sephardic Music Ensemble, evokes visions of the Moorish citadel, the Alhambra, which still stands in all its radiant glory in Granada, Spain. There, In the 11th century, the Jewish Talmudic scholar, poet and statesman, Samuel Hanagid served for thirty years as minister to the Berber king. And, from medieval Spain comes Ladino, the language in which the ensemble’s songs will be sung.
During the two day Sephardic Festival September 14 and 15 at The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, the New York-based Alhambra Sephardic Music Ensemble will perform Sunday afternoon at 3:00.m.
Formed in 1981 by Dr. Isabelle Ganz, the group has given programs in Andalusia, Spain; London, England; Quebec, Canada; Istanbul, Turkey; Vilnius, Lithuania; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and in New York, Los Angeles, Saint Paul, Houston, and various colleges and universities throughout the USA.
The ensemble consists of five musicians, Ganz on vocals and woodwinds, Rami El Aasser, percussionist (tabla, darbukah, riq, def and bendir) and other members on oud, violin and
vocals.
“ALHAMBRA’s performance at the 850 Aniversario de Maimonides festival was more than a complete success; it was a show of musical quality not seen here very often,” wrote the
Clave de Sol, Cordoba, Spain.
The New York Times reported, “The music was filled with vivid energy. Ms. Ganz’ singing was graceful, clear-voiced and focused, and her smooth handling of melisma was an instructive lesson in the roots of later Spanish style.”
Tziporah Jochsberger, Founder and Former Director of the Hebrew Arts School commented “The response of the audience was unbelievable. I heard comments such as ‘it reached my soul,’ ‘what high quality of music-making!’ and more.”
For additional information on the Alhambra Sephardic Music Ensemble concert and other offerings of the Sephardic Festival, contact the Lawrence Family JCC: 858-457-3030.
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Wingard, a retired violist with the San Diego Symphony, is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts.