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Crosscurrents

Aswat Ensemble performs songs from the Arab world with a multicultural twist

Image from zawaya.org

The Arabic music ensemble Aswat is based in the Bay Area and plays classical Arab standards in concerts throughout the Bay Area. But you don't have to know the language to participate.

Non-Arabic speaking Americans make up half of the choir members and musicians, and that's part of the mission: to spread love for Arabic music that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.

In a piece from the archives, KALW's Hana Baba visits an Aswat rehearsal to find out more about the diverse music group.

Click the audio player above to listen to the interview.

Aswat's next performance is coming up in June. It's called Aleppo Live and will feature traditional music from Syria, led by Syrian maestro Eljarrah.

Visit Aswat's website to find out more about participating

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Crosscurrents Music
Hana Baba is host of Crosscurrents, KALW's weeknight newsmagazine that broadcasts on KALW Public Radio in the San Francisco Bay Area.