past events

July 31, 2020 @ 8pm EST | Lincoln Center Restart Stages

A public, in-person world premiere of new work from the full Raga Maqam ensemble.

December 10, 2020 | Afikra Conversations

Tune in to this virtual conversation with Raga Maqam composer, Amir ElSaffar, and Musical Director, Arun Ramamurthy, as they join the Afikra founder Mikey Muhanna for a deep dive into the history, inspirations, and explorations of the ensemble! Free!

November 21-22, 2020 | Ragas Live Festival

We’re excited to join the 9th annual Ragas Live Festival 2020 alongside phenomenal artists such as Zakir Hussain, Toumani Diabate, Betsayda Machado, Terry Riley, and many members of the wonderful Brooklyn Raga Massive. The free event will be live-streamed November 21-22.

September 20, 2020 | Rubin Museum Virtual Block Party

Get a sneak peak at a music video shot at the Rubin Museum as part of their Virtual Block Party! In this special performance, Amir ElSaffar (santoor + trumpet,) is joined by Jay Gandhi (bansuri), Zafer Tawil (oud + percussion), Arun Ramamurthy (violin) and Firas Zreik (kanun) uncover intersections between the profound musical languages of Maqam and Raga, whose commonalities and cross-influences emphasize improvisation, resonance, and devotion.

June 30, 2020 | Virtual Concert

Intersections of Raga and Maqam ft. Roopa Mahadevan (vocals) and George Ziadeh (oud/vocals) in concert and conversation with Raga Maqam composer Amir ElSaffar. [free]

June 25, 2020 | Virtual Concert

Intersections of Raga and Maqam ft. Abhik Mukherjee (sitar) and Zafer Tawil (Arabic percussion/oud)in concert and conversation with Raga Maqam musical director Arun Ramamurthy. [free]

May 9, 2020 | MASS MoCA [cancelled]

Weeklong residency and finale work-in-progress concert cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

March 30, 2020 | Virtual Concert via Culture Hub

Virtual concert on Culture Hub featuring Amir ElSaffar (trumpet/santur/vocals), Arun Ramamurthy (violin), Jay Gandhi (bansuri), and George Ziadeh (oud).

March 30, 2020 | Rubin Museum [cancelled]

Pre-concert lecture and performance featuring 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), and Roopa Mahadevan (vocals). 

December 2, 2019 | Winter’s Eve at WNET

Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square celebration with ALL ARTS and PBS Channel Thirteen featuring Amir ElSaffar (trumpet/santur/vocals), Zafer Tawil (percussion, oud), George Ziadeh (oud), Arun Ramamurthy (violin), and Jay Gandhi (bansuri)

August 23-24, 2019 | Artist Intensive Workshop

Day 1 | Workshop #1: Roots of Maqam with Maestro Hamid Al-Saadi

Day 2 | Workshop #2: Elements of Hindustani Music with Jay Gandhi and Abhik Mukherjee. Workshop #3: Elements of Carnatic Music with Mysore N. Karthik.

April 20 & 21, 2018 | The Jazz Gallery

Raga Maqam ft. Amir ElSaffar with Arun Ramamurthy (violin), Firas Zreik (kanun), Abhik Mukherjee (sitar), Naseem Alatrash (cello), Jay Gandhi (bansuri), and Shiva Ghoshal (tabla).

Read an interview between ElSaffar and The Jazz Gallery here

September 8, 2017 | David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center

Premiere of the Raga Maqam concept as part of the Outside (In)dia series presented in collaboration with The India Center Foundation and Brooklyn Raga Massive.