Robert Browning Associates, in partnership with Lotus Music & Dance and Roulette, are set to present an exciting lineup of world music and dance performances in March and April 2025, marking 48 years of cultural programming in New York City.
The season opens with Antonio “El Turry,” a rising flamenco vocalist making his New York solo debut alongside guitarist Paco Jarana (Mar 7).
Lebanese singer Nibal Malshi follows with a program of expressive Arabic songs (Mar 15). Meanwhile, Argentine tango takes center stage with renowned dancer Guillermina Quiroga (Mar 28).
Celebrated sitarist Ustad Shahid Parvez performs electrifying duets with his son Shakir Khan (Apr 4). Hamza Akram Qawwal & Brothers, a Pakistani ensemble with 26 generations of qawwali heritage, bring their signature energy (Apr 11).
Rare Turkmen music will be featured with master dutar players Oghlan Bakhshi and Zyyda Jumayeva (Apr 25).
The season concludes with virtuoso Simon Shaheen, acclaimed for his artistry on the ‘ud and violin in Arabic music (Apr 26).
Robert Browning has been a key figure in the city’s cultural landscape since 1976. From his leadership at the Alternative Center for International Arts and the World Music Institute (1985–2011) to his work with Robert Browning Associates, he has presented over 2,400 concerts, featuring artists from more than 100 regions.
Program
Fri March 7, 8pm – Flamenco Festival: Antonio “El Turry” featuring Paco Jarana*
Sat March 15, 8pm – Songs of the Arab World: Nibal Malshi**
Fri March 28, 8pm – Argentine Tango: Guillermina Quiroga Company
Fri April 4, 8pm – Indian Masters: Ustad Shahid Parvez and Shakir Khan
with Yashwant Vaishnav
Fri, April 11, 8pm – Sufi Songs of Pakistan: Hamza Akram Qawwal & Brothers
Fri Apr 25, 8pm – Turkmen Music from the Steppes of Iran and Central Asia:
Oghlan Bakhshi & Zyyada Jumayeva
Sat Apr 26, 8pm – Music of the Arab World: Simon Shaheen**
*Presented by Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance and Roulette in partnership with Flamenco Festival
** Presented by Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance and Roulette in association with Brooklyn Maqam
Roulette, 509 Atlantic Avenue at 3rd Avenue, Downtown Brooklyn
Box office: 917-267-0363
Information and videos: robertbrowningassociates.com
(headline image: Collage of artists set to perform. Photo credits: Nibal Malshi: Kory Williams; Guillermina Quiroga: Brandon Kwae; Hamza Akram: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi; Simon Shaheen: ©Jack Vartoogian/FrontRowPhotos)
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central