Shira u’tfila
Sephardic music of the Balkans and North Africa
Shira u’tfila is a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional ensemble that draws its inspiration from the diversity and richness of Judeo-Spanish, Ottoman-Turkish, Arabic and Balkan musical traditions. Shira u’tfila was founded in the year 2000 by its vocalist and oud player Stefan Sablić, with the aim of preserving and promoting the Sephardic musical heritage of the Balkans, Mediterranean and North Africa. The band has released seven CDs, toured in a dozen countries, and collaborated on various research and production projects involving Sephardic music from the Balkans, the Mediterranean basin, and the Middle East. Shira u’tfila passionately blends its knowledge of classical traditions and dedication to their preservation with a flair for improvisation and fusion. Its distinct sound brings a modern twist to a historical legacy.
Stefan Sablić – vokal, ud; Ivana Munđa – vokal; Elad Gabbay – kanun; Filip Krumes – violina; Sinan Aćifović – klarinet; Srđan Đorđević – kontrabas; Akash Bhatt – darabuka, bendir, cajon
Shalom Levi & Elad Gabay
One of the most popular Hazan’s (cantor’s) from Israel, Rabbi Shalom Levi will present traditional music of the Jews that lived in Arab countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria). Jews as a Semitic people belonged to the culture of the Middle East and their music was very similar to Arabic music. Many popular tunes were ‘borrowed’ and adapted to Hebrew words. Shalom Levi is one of the authentic representatives of this ancient musical tradition that in recent years had become very popular and experienced impressive revival in Israel and throughout the Jewish world.
Musical accompaniment: Elad Gabay – kanun, Stefan Sablić – ud, Akash Bhatt – percussions
Oriental Trio + percussion session
Oriental trio will present music originating from various traditions of the eastern Mediterranean and characterized by Makam (scale or mode) and an abundance of different rhythms. This music has for centuries successfully transcended ethnic and class boundaries. The repertoire consists of compositions created at the court in Istanbul as also from folk tunes and songs that were performed in city pubs and contemporary original compositions. Combination of Instrumental and vocal pieces that were written by court musicians of diverse ethnic origin like Armenians, Greeks, Sephards and others.
Sinan Aćifović – clarinet; Stefan Sablić – kanun; Goran Milošević – percussion; Antonije Tot – ud
Percussion session: Akash Bhatt, Goran Milosevic and Zare
Hot Club of Belgrade
Hot Club of Belgrade is inspired by the music of the legendary jazz artists Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Their repertoire consists of classical gypsy jazz manouche compositions, swing standards and popular evergreen songs.
Branko Maćić – lead guitar; Filip Krumes – violin; Nebojša Pesić – rhythm guitar; Ivan Maksimović – double bass
