Rio Salado College hosts live performance by ASU’s Middle East Music Ensemble: Layali Al-Sham

Описание: Arizona State University’s Middle East Music Ensemble, Layali Al-Sham, brought a vibrant celebration of Arab musical heritage to Rio Salado in April as part of Arab American Heritage Month. Led by director Andrea Shaheen Espinosa, the ensemble is a community-engaged group that welcomes both ASU students and Phoenix-area residents.

The ensemble’s performance showcased a musical traditions from Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and beyond. Musicians introduced the audience to traditional instruments like the oud— the quintessential stringed instrument of Arabic music— and the darbuka, a goblet-shaped drum that anchors many Middle Eastern rhythms. They also demonstrated how Arabic music differs from Western styles through unique tuning systems, expressive slides and trills, and complex rhythmic cycles.

One performer shared, “I listened to Arabic music before I could play it,” highlighting her love of the music. While Arabic music is often passed down aurally, performers shared that the ensemble bridges this tradition with Western notation, making it accessible to musicians from all backgrounds.

For more information or to get involved, visit their official ASU page: https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/ens...

Follow them on Instagram: @layali_alsham_asu

Rio Salado College is one of 10 Maricopa Community Colleges and one of the largest online public community colleges in the nation, serving over 40,000 students last year with more than 21,000 online learners both here in Arizona and in all 50 states across the country. Founded in 1978, Rio Salado offers over 600 online classes, 156 degree and certificate programs and general education courses. The college works with local and national partners to create lifelong learning opportunities for military and incarcerated students and serves as Arizona’s largest provider of adult education and dual enrollment instruction. Learn more at http://www.riosalado.edu

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