Events
Global Award winners Gao Hong and Issam Rafea holds new CD release concert
Date & time: Sunday, Oct. 10, 3 p.m.
Location: The Cedar Cultural center, 416 Cedar Ave., South Minneapolis (map)
Tickets: $20 (advance purchase), $25 (day of concert)
Pipa master Gao Hong and oud master Issam Rafea did not skip a beat during the pandemic lockdown. They worked on their newest CD, “From Our World to Yours.” At the release concert on Oct. 10, audience will be able to experience their fiery and passionate music live at The Cedar Cultural Center! Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served.
The new CD was picked as a Top 10 Album from Around the World by Songlines in the U.K., where reviewer Charlie Cawood wrote “The chemistry between Gao Hong and Issam Rafea is never less than impeccable, and this recording serves as the next instalment in a fascinating ongoing conversation."
Gao teaches Chinese musical instruments and directs the Carleton Chinese Music Ensemble and the Global Music Ensemble at Carleton College in Minnesota. Rafea is one of Syria's elite musicians and was invited to the United States in March 2013 to direct the Middle Eastern Music Ensemble at Northern Illinois University School of Music.
The duo is known for their live improvisations blending Chinese and Arabic techniques. Since they never discuss what they will play in advance, no two performances are ever the same. Therefore, each concert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and audiences witness singular creations that come to life before their very eyes and ears - but are never to be repeated again.
Patrons who require special seating accommodations should contact The Cedar directly. Check for and details on COVID-19 vaccination and test result policy online.
You can watch a video of their music.