MEDIA CONTACTS:
For the George Washington University:
Kurie Fitzgerald: [email protected], 202-994-6461
Maralee Csellar: [email protected], 202-994-7564
For Washington Performing Arts:
Amanda Sweet: [email protected], 202-636-3507
Caroline Heaney: [email protected], 202-636-3503
EVENT:
Zakir Hussain, known worldwide for his masterful use of the tabla, traditional Indian hand drums, and his partnerships with household names like Yo-Yo Ma and the Grateful Dead, will bring the unlikely combination of Indian and Celtic music to Washington, D.C. Though the notion of blending the two genres doesn’t necessarily conjure up instant recognition, the results are an intelligent and haunting blend of Gaelic vocals mixed with flutes, strings, Indian tabla and Celtic bodhran.
WHEN:
Tuesday, March 17, 2015; 8 p.m.
WHERE:
The George Washington University
Lisner Auditorium
730 21st St., NW
Washington, D.C.
Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro (Blue, Orange and Silver lines)
TICKETS:
Tickets range from $22 to $39 and may be purchased by calling the Lisner box office at 202-994-6800, Washington Performing Arts at 202-785-9727, or by visiting www.lisner.gwu.edu or www.washingtonperformingarts.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Lisner box office. Box office hours are Tuesday – Friday, noon – 6 p.m. The box office will also open one hour prior to the event.
RSVP:
Media interested in attending must contact Kurie Fitzgerald at [email protected] or 202-994-6461 no later than 48 hours before the event. Photos are available upon request. Attention calendar editors: Please do not publish media contact information.
BACKGROUND:
Mr. Hussain’s story of how the group got together is at once happenstance and calculated: “In 2011, I was commissioned by the Scotland Council of the Arts to do a residency culminating in a performance of new work involving Indian and Celtic musicians. We worked with our Celtic counterparts and at the end of the week came up with music that involved both traditions and did a 90-minute show.”
After their performance, the Arts Council England asked the group to perform during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Mr. Hussain felt that the feedback and interest was strong enough that the group should continue its run. The musician, who annually tours the United States, decided to focus his 2015 tour on the unique—joining Indian and Celtic musical traditions.
About GW Lisner Auditorium
Built in 1943, GW Lisner Auditorium is one of the most historic concert venues in D.C. It showcases both iconic and emerging artists in a vibrant downtown setting on GW’s Foggy Bottom Campus. Lisner is well known as a hot spot for world music concerts. Take a look at Lisner. The world sounds better here.
Information about the diverse lineup of vocalists, world music, rock, dance and discussions scheduled in 2015 at Lisner Auditorium is available online.
About Washington Performing Arts
Since 1965, Washington Performing Arts has had a foundational role in the arts in our nation’s capital, creating profound opportunities that connect community and artists, in both education and performance. Through live events in 11 venues that crisscross the D.C. metropolitan area, the careers of emerging artists are launched and nurtured, and established artists return to develop closer relationships with Washington Performing Arts' audiences and creative partners.
As one of the leading presenters in the nation, Washington Performing Arts embraces a broad spectrum of the performing arts, including classical music, jazz, gospel, contemporary dance and music, international music and art forms and new work. Dynamic education programs in the public schools and beyond are hallmarks of Washington Performing Arts, as are the Embassy Adoption Program and two resident gospel choirs.
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