ENCOUNTERS: Jewish and Hindu Mystical Music, host Congregation Kehillath Israel

Concert and creative storytelling by percussionist Joey van Leeuwen and Indian stringed instrumentalist Vishnu Ramprasad.

Please see details on Eventbrite at the host's event listing and for online registration at the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/encounters-jewish-and-hindu-mystical-music-tickets-367091880697

## About this event

### Virtuosic musicians and composers JOEY VAN LEEUWEN and VISHNU RAMPRASAD bring together music that seems worlds apart with a concert that combines Carnatic classical music from South India with Jewish hymns. Just as Judaism believes in the unity of one G-d, Hindu Vedantic philosophy believes that all of our souls are connected in the oversoul of the atman. The duo will show the connections between these two ancient traditions, not only diving into the music but philosophy as well with visual examples that will explore their different cultural backgrounds.

Vishnu Ramprasad is a stringed instrument player from Bangalore, India and the inventor of the Navtar instrument which he uses for his own unique style of music that combines Carnatic music with Jazz and other world styles. Joey van Leeuwen is a Jewish-American Jazz drummer and percussionist from Rochester, New York who has studied Carnatic and world music for many years.(full performer bios below)
The concert will begin with a Carnatic performance of krithis, devotional songs dedicated to the Hindu gods Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva along with an explanation of their meaning and religious significance. Following will be an exposition of Jewish sacred hymns and songs, including the songs of the little-known Dravidian (Southern Indian) Jews of Kerala. The final segment will feature original arrangements of music combining these sources into a language that is neither one nor the other, but a mixture of both. Joey and Vishnu show that even from opposite sides of the world, people can come together to learn, make music, and celebrate life.
NOTA BENES:
Doors Open at 7:00. Concert begins at 7:30.
All seating except FRONT ROW is unassigned.
Tickets cannot be refunded but can be transferred to a different attendee.
We recommend buying tickets online whenever possible. Tickets will be available at the door with payment in cash or check only, for $35.

Please see details on Eventbrite at the host's event listing:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/encounters-jewish-and-hindu-mystical-music-tickets-367091880697