PUTNEY — Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, and the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community present an evening of global Hebrew and Jewish music with Yamma Ensemble on Friday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m.
“Masters of their craft, Yamma Ensemble reflects the perfect balance between respect for tradition and making the music innovative,” Keith Marks, executive director of Next Stage Arts, said in a news release. “Israel is a melting pot of traditions from the Jewish diaspora living all over the world for over 2,000 years. Yamma blends language, tradition, religion, culture, and music. We couldn't be more proud to present them in the theater.”
Ensemble Yamma, described by organizers as Israel's leading world music ensemble, presents original contemporary Hebrew music.
The group members were born and raised in the Middle East, and their music and instrumentation is characteristic of that region. The “soulful, exotic music” is accompanied by ancient instruments, such as the kopuz, duduk, and hand drums.
Yamma also performs the traditional music and material of the various Jewish diasporas, from Yemen, Babylon, and Sepharad. In addition, they perform Hasidic music with fascinating forms and rhythms that have been preserved by generations of Jewish traditions.