DVD: The Second Festival of Universal Sacred Music, Manhattan, New York
New York, 2008
New York, 2008
In 2004-2007, as the Executive Director of the Society for Universal Sacred Music, one of my responsibilities was to organize and establish a new series of festivals in Manhattan, New York. I also had the role of Executive Producer for the two documentary films about them. The first two festivals were very successful and presented unique programs of new works of music which were commissioned by the Society from composers worldwide.
The Second Festival at the Merkin Concert Hall in Manhattan, NY, in 2006, presented a rich program of new music commissioned by the Society, as well as existing works of sacred music.
Some of the highlights included a rarely performed work by Dave Brubeck, “Earth is our Mother”, and a new composition, a Hebrew-Arabic prayer, by a young Israeli composer Maya Raviv, “Echad”, which were performed by the Society’s choir, instrumental ensemble and guest soloists.
A historical journey through the East of universal spiritual music through the ages was presented by the Australian composer-music historian Kim Cunio: “The Thread of Life”. He also performed the music with the Australian soprano Heather Lee and the Israli-Arabic group Yoel Ben-Simhon and the Sultana Ensemble.
View a video of the festival concerts.
The Second Festival at the Merkin Concert Hall in Manhattan, NY, in 2006, presented a rich program of new music commissioned by the Society, as well as existing works of sacred music.
Some of the highlights included a rarely performed work by Dave Brubeck, “Earth is our Mother”, and a new composition, a Hebrew-Arabic prayer, by a young Israeli composer Maya Raviv, “Echad”, which were performed by the Society’s choir, instrumental ensemble and guest soloists.
A historical journey through the East of universal spiritual music through the ages was presented by the Australian composer-music historian Kim Cunio: “The Thread of Life”. He also performed the music with the Australian soprano Heather Lee and the Israli-Arabic group Yoel Ben-Simhon and the Sultana Ensemble.
View a video of the festival concerts.