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01/30/2008: "A World of Magical Sounds at SJCT on January 31"

Islanders have a chance to hear ancient instruments and experience the diversity of music from the Middle East when the Salaam Ensemble takes the stage at the San Juan Community Theatre on Thursday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m.

Directed by award-winning composer and artist/educator John Zeretzke, the five-person ensemble brings together famous and inspiring musical talents of the Arab-American music world. Using powerful vocals and ancient instruments—such as the oud (lute), ney (cane flute) and darabuka or Egyptian tabla (goblet drum)—ensemble members represent a variety of cultures from several countries, including Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Armenia and Israel.


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“I hope they [audiences] bring home with them a sense of the depth of the music,” said Zeretzke. “There is a variety of styles and of disciplines within each of the cultures—some of the forms of music are more than 1000 years old.”

Zeretzke’s brother Dave, who works for the San Juan County Administrator’s office and has lived on the island since 1980, is looking forward to seeing the ensemble in person (he’s only watched them on DVD). Like his brother, Dave believes that “music is the language that unifies people” and that Salaam (translated into English it means “peace”) is a wonderful example of that.

In addition to Thursday night’s performance, the ensemble will host day concerts for students from Friday Harbor elementary, middle and high schools on Wednesday and Thursday as part of the group’s goal to help people understand there is more to the Middle East than what they see on the news. The concerts are also a collaboration between SJCT and the San Juan Island School District to enhance performing arts education for students.

Salaam Ensemble’s Thursday night concert is sponsored by Friday Harbor House. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for student reserved, with $5 student RUSH tickets available at the door. A private donor has made provision for free tickets to anyone needing financial assistance to attend a Theatre event.

The SJCT box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm, Saturdays
from 11 am to 2 pm and one hour before each performance. Call 378-3210 or surf to www.SanJuanCommunityTheatre.org