Crossroads of Sound: Makam Journeys from Armenia to Anatolia

Crossroads of Sound: Makam Journeys from Armenia to Anatolia, featuring Samuel Sjostedt

Welcome to the second chapter of “Crossroads of Sound”! Born from the vision of drawing from the vast pool of brilliant local musicians to bridge diverse makam traditions, our project continues to explore the rich tapestry of Anatolia, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.

In this installment, witness the magic unfold with Boston-area composer and multi-instrumentalist Samuel Sjostedt, accompanied by Crossroads of Sound’s wonderful ensemble of musicians. Diverse backgrounds converge as Western instruments like piano, violin, and double bass dance with the enchanting sounds of oud, duduk, kanun, ney, baglama, and kemence.

Experience the fusion of cultures through this musical dialogue, where traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly coexist. As Samuel’s oud and duduk resonate, witness the enchanting journey through his original compositions inspired by Armenian towns, alongside the timeless works of Armenian master composers like Kemani Tatyos Efendi and Bimen Sen, and the contemporary brilliance of Ara Dinkjian.

“Crossroads of Sound” is a celebration of cultural intersections, a tribute to musical heritage, and an exploration of shared experiences. Join us for an evening where the harmonies of the past and present converge. This concert is expected to sell out, so secure your tickets today and be part of this transcendent musical experience!

Musicians:

Sam Sjostedt – oud, duduk

Volkan Efe – ney, kanun, kemence, voice

Theresa Thompson – violin, bendir

Fatih Acun – baglama, guitar, voice

Michael K. Harrist – yaylı tanbur, bendir, double bass

Aakaash Rao – piano