Raga Maqam

For centuries, Maqam has been the tonal language of Arab, Turkish, and Persian traditional music, while Raga is practiced throughout the Indian subcontinent. The two modal systems have developed independently of one another according to specific rules and structure. Yet, there are many commonalities and cross-influences, as both traditions emphasize improvisation, resonance, and devotion.

As this project develops Amir ElSaffar, Arun Ramamurthy and an all-star ensemble of 9 fellow musicians explore and uncover intersections between these ancient, profound musical languages as they change through time.

Amir ElSaffar – trumpet/santur/vocals

Arun Ramamurthy – violin

Firas Zreik – kanun

Abhik Mukherjee – sitar

Naseem Alatrash – cello

Jay Gandhi – bansuri

George Ziadeh – oud

Hamid Al-Saadi – vocals

Roopa Mahadevan – vocals

Join a pre-concert discussion about the history of the raga and maqam music styles in the Rubin Café at 6:15 PM. Free with concert ticket.

The project Raga Maqam is produced by The India Center Foundation.

Raga Maqam is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.

About Brooklyn Raga Massive

Praised by the Wall Street Journal for “expanding the notion of what raga—the immersive, epic form of Indian music—can mean” and dubbed the “leaders of the raga renaissance” by the New Yorker, the fun-loving members of the Brooklyn Raga Massive collective have made huge waves for “preserving the past while blurring genres in an inventive spirit” (New York Times). Brooklyn Raga Massive is dedicated to education, engaging in workshops, in-school programs, private teaching, and various community activities to share their love for music.

About The India Center Foundation

The India Center is a national, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to the study of the Indian subcontinent, the promotion of its cultural life, and the unique relationship between India and the United States. Based in New York City, The India Center hosts dialogues and exhibitions, mounts programs, educates audiences, and fosters debate focused on India’s future as well as its rich and varied past.