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As Middle-Eastern conflict continues, one professor is determined to educate the university and surrounding community about the humanized nature and peaceful ideals of the Arabic culture.
The Arabic music ensemble Layaali performed Thursday night in The Roselle Center for Performing Arts. Each of the musicians originated from Arabic countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine. The group is now based in Boston, and travels throughout the country to spread their cultural ideas through music performances.
“The purpose of the event is to bring awareness of Arabic music and Arabic culture,” says Professor Ikram Masmoudi, who single-handedly organized the entire production. “Apart from what the students learn in class there’s not much happening on our campus about Arabic culture or Middle-Eastern culture.”
This is the second year that Masmoudi has invited Layaali to perform at the university. This idea was developed after remembering several Layaali performances she attended in Philadelphia and Boston, as well as at Middlebury University, where she previously worked. She says last year there were almost 300 people in attendance.
The event was free and open to the public to encourage as many attendees as possible.
This event was sponsored in part by the Center for Global and Area Studies
More at The Review
BY HOLLY CLAYTOR
MANAGING MOSAIC EDITOR
