Shesh Besh Facilitates Conversation about Building Bridges Across Religion and Culture through the Art of Music

When we experience the traditions and lifestyles of a new culture through the worldly perspective of an artist, we open the window for further dialogue and cultural exchange. This is the purpose of the Windows on the World Series at the Midland Center for the Arts. The Center is proud to partner with the Midland Area Interfaith Friends for an evening of music and conversation with Arab-Jewish ensemble Shesh Besh on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, 4100 Chestnut Hill Drive, Midland, MI. The ensemble will perform several selections from both Eastern and Western repertoire, and answer questions while facilitating conversation about life in the Middle East and their goal of building bridges across religion and culture through the art of music. The event is free and open to the public.

Shesh Besh is a model of tolerance and mutual respect in a turbulent, violent Middle East. On a deeper level, the ensemble’s onstage presence and repertoire are a living metaphor for people striving to coexist. In 2007 the ensemble was awarded the European Medal of Honor – The Prize of Tolerance by the European Culture Forum for “their vision and their commitment to the Israeli-Arabic relationship”.

Shesh Besh is comprised of three members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra alongside four of the finest musicians from Israel’s Arab community. Since becoming an integral part of the Israel Philharmonic’s education program, “Key Note,” Shesh Besh has appeared at the Tanglewood Music Festival, St. Bartholomew’s Church (NY) for the Alliance for Religion and Conservation, and at Carnegie Hall for the JVC Jazz Festival hosted by Michael Feinstein.  In 2004, it won two prizes at the International Oud Festival in Jerusalem, then went on to open Israel Music Week with six original commissions from Arab and Jewish composers.

Shesh Besh will perform as part of the Windows on the World Series at the Midland Center for the Arts on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at midlandcenter.org, at the Center Ticket Office, or by calling 800-523-7649. The Windows on the World Series is underwritten by WCMU Broadcasting.

To learn more about outreach opportunities at the Center, please visit MidlandCenter.org.