New York’s World Music Institute Reveals 2014-15 Season

World Music Institute (WMI) recently announced its 2014-15 season. Under the leadership of artistic director Karen Sander, World Music Institute’s goal is to divulge international acts through outstanding performances, lectures, demonstrations, personal stories, family events, and artist accessibility before and after the shows.

The season begins with Africa Now: South Africa! at the iconic Apollo Theater, part of a city-wide celebration of South African music. Africa Now: South Africa! Will showcase the post-Apartheid generation of socially-conscious fresh young artists who are now shaping their country. WMI and the Apollo will present three radically different but equally exciting stars, all in their 20’s and early 30’s: the Xhosa singer/songwriter Simphwe Dana; the uplifting 3-member a cappella group, The Soil; and rapper and poet Tumi Molekane in his American debut.

In addition to the performers in Africa Now, other highlights include two other fall shows, leading Garifuna musician Aurelio Martínez, and the Israeli-Malian collaboration the Toure Reichel Collective. Both will perform new material in support of their new albums.

Returning to WMI are three recently developed series that have thrilled audiences with their creative and immersive formats. The “living-room” intimacy of the Thalia is ideal for the three-part Global Salon series, which this year presents the beautiful and little-known traditions of Nordic folk fiddling, Tibetan healing music, and Bukharian singing and dance.

Program for 2014-15 season

Africa Now: South Africa!

October 9-12: The packed weekend spotlights today’s African music scene
in partnership with the iconic Apollo Theater MainStage concert introduces 3 progressive young South African talents: The Soil • Simphiwe Dana • Tumi Molekane

Around The World, Around The City

An eclectic mix of voices from around the globe, at a variety of NYC’s top venues Bassekou Kouyate (10/30): Ngoni master’s rare all-acoustic show at Met Museum The Toure-Raichel Collective (11/18): Showcasing the Israeli/Malian duo’s new album Aurelio Martinez (11/22): Sings the Afro-Caribbean culture of Honduras Emil Zrihan (1/17): Astonishing vocal displays mix Jewish & Arabic tradition Cherish The Ladies (3/7): 30th anniversary of the Irish all-female group

Masters Of Indian Music & Dance

WMI’s long-running series presents the most cherished guardians of Indian classical traditions
Kaushiki Chakrabarty (11/14): Rising vocal star’s 1st major solo NY show
Nrityagram (1/10): Famed dance troupe at the Met’s Temple of Dendur
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan (4/10): Seventh-generation sitar maestro

World To Brooklyn, at Roulette

The series that transports one to a dance-party in a far-off country, serving up that region’s cocktails, DJ’s, dance teachers and bands
Pepito Gomez (2/7): The Cuban vocal sensation
Gregorio Uribe Big Band (3/14): The 16-piece orchestra’s first album
Boukman Eksperyans (5/16): The Haitian supergroup since 1987

Global Salon, at the Thalia

WMI’s “living room” for intimate conversation and performances by virtuosos of little-known ethnic musical traditions
Yungchen Lhamo (1/28): The Tibetan vocalist’s deeply spiritual music
Echoes of the Divine: Jewish Women’s Voices (2/25): featuring Muhabbat Shamayeva and Galeet Dardashti
Nordic Fiddlers Bloc (4/22): Three of the finest young fiddlers on the international folk circuit
Plus weekend festivals and special events:

Opre Romani!

April 24: Celebrating the music of the Roma (Gypsies), with Esma Redžepova at Le Poisson Rouge

Dancing The Gods

April 25-26: The acclaimed Classical Indian dance festival returns with performances, lec-dems, chat & chai with artists at NYU Skirball Center

Songs Of Tagore

June 6: A celebration of the great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore featuring singer Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya at Symphony Space