Mark Morris Dance Group with Silk Road Ensemble: Layla and Majnun
Alim Qasimov, mugham vocals
Fargana Qasimova, mugham vocals
Layla and Majnun is a classic story of love well-known across many Middle-Eastern and sub-continental cultures and notably expressed by the great Azerbaijani poet Muhammad Fuzuli. In 1908, the tragic lovers’ tale became the subject of the first Middle Eastern opera, written by Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli, who interspersed symphonic and choral sections with mugham—a Central-Asian style of improvised singing—and created a masterpiece of Azerbaijani culture. Silk Road Ensemble’s new arrangement of Hajibeyli’s work, joined with Morris’ choreography, brings together on stage instrumentalists from Asian and western traditions; the revered singer Alim Qasimov (a Living National Treasure of Azerbaijan) and his daughter and protégée, Fargana Qasimova; and 16 dancers of the Mark Morris Dance Group, here at MMDG’s Midwest home. Silk Road Ensemble founder Yo-Yo Ma states, “Morris’ deep respect for and knowledge of traditions in both music and dance—he never plays tourist but is an artist, so that any tradition Mark incorporates becomes organic to his work—as well as his extensive experience directing epic love stories . . . make him the only choice to re-imagine Layla and Majnun for a 21st-century audience.”
This performance will last approximately 70 minutes with no intermission. Please note that there will be no late seating. Yo-Yo Ma will not be performing with the Silk Road Ensemble.
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK AT 6:30PM
Krannert Room
Please join us for an introduction to Layla and Majnun with Mark Morris Dance Group and Silk Road Ensemble research advisor Aida Huseynova from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Her publications include Music of Azerbaijan: From Mugham to Opera (Indiana University Press, 2016).
Seating is limited
Supported by the Lorado Taft Lectureship on Art Fund/College of Fine & Applied Arts
