Anima Mundi’s ‘Heart of Humanity’ series brings celebrated performers from Ukraine, Israel and Palestine to the SOU Recital Hall
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news
“Hand in Hand Together” is the theme for Anima Mundi Productions’ upcoming Heart of Humanity Concert Series.
The theme was chosen to “celebrate the unifying power of music, showcasing world-class musicians from Ukraine, Israel and Palestine whose stories and art transcend borders,” said Anima Mundi artistic directors Ethan Gans-Morse and Tiziana DellaRovere.
“These musicians were born in countries that now face heartbreaking violence, yet their music shines through their brilliant talent, heartfelt humanity, and sensitive musicianship.”
Featured artists include cellist Shireen Abu Khader, Amit Peled and Nadia Shpachenko. Each performance begins at 3 p.m. at the Southern Oregon University Music Recital Hall.
Nadia Shpachenko
The series opens Oct. 27 with Shpachenko, a Grammy-winning Ukrainian pianist, who is described as “an ambassador of Ukrainian music and culture” and called “gifted and versatile” by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Shpachenko has performed recitals at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Chamber Music Series along with orchestras through Europe and America.
On Friday, Oct. 25, Shpachenko will join local Ukrainian refugees for a free special event co-hosted by Anima Mundi, the Ashland-Sviatohirsk Aid Project and Uniting for Ukraine Rogue Valley.
Her “invasion” concert tour has brought resources and attention to the plight of her native city of Kharkiv.
Amit Peled
The second concert in the series will be Sunday, Feb. 2. It will feature cellist Amit Peled with pianist Peter Miyamoto. The Israeli cellist has gained international attention.
Gans-Morse and DellaRvere said Peled’s program will “showcase American favorites,” including Bruch’s “Kol Nidrel” and Bloch’s “From Jewish Life” as well as the simplicity of the traditional song “Eli, Eli,” along with music of Jewish spiritual introspection.
The New York Times praised Peled’s music as having “a glowing tone, a seductive timbre and an emotionally pointed approach to phrasing that made you want to hear him again.”
From 2012 to 2018, Peled toured with the legendary cellist Pablo Casals’ cello, built in 1933. Over the years he has performed internationally and acclaimed as “one of the most exciting and virtuosic instrumentalists.”
Peled will be joined by Miyamoto, called a “major discovery” by Fanfare Magazine. Miyamoto is known internationally for his chamber and symphonic performances and, said DellaRovere and Gans-Morse, “his highly acclaimed recording projects.”
The deets
Heart of Humanity Concert Series, presented by Anima Mundi Productions. Three shows: Oct. 27, Feb. 2, April 13 at SOU Music Recital Hall. Individual tickets $25-$39, season tickets $70-$110 at Anima Mundi website and at 541-833-3066.
Shireen Abu-Khader
The series concludes Sunday, April 13, with singer Shireen Abu-Khader, described as “an ambassador for the Arabic music tradition.” A Palestinian Jordanian Canadian vocalist and composer, she will lead the mixed vocal/instrumental Usul Ensemble “in a mesmerizing concert of captivating melodies from the Levant, featuring Sufi-inspired songs, timeless Arab classics and stirring folkloric compositions.”
Tickets for the concerts are on sale now. They can be purchased for single concerts or as a season packages. Prices for reserved seating range from $25 to $39, with $10 tickets for students and $5 tickets for Oregon Trail Card holders at the door. Season ticket prices range from $70 to $110 with no service fees. Parking is included with ticket purchases. Tickets can be purchased online at the Anima Mundi website or by calling 541-833-3066.
The SOU Music Recital Hall is at 450 Mountain Ave., Ashland.
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at [email protected].
