Forbes welcomes All-star percussionists of the GRAMMY Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble Jan. 26
College of Visual and Performing Arts
The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University is delighted to present members of the GRAMMY Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble in Percussion All-Stars on Sunday, January 26 at 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall.
This electrifying evening of music will feature an exceptional lineup of instrumentalists, including Sandeep Das (tabla), Haruka Fujii (marimba, hand drums, percussion), Shane Shanahan (hand drums, drum set, percussion), Balla Kouyaté (balafon), Kaoru Watanabe (shinobue, taiko, narimono), and Francesco Turrisi (Mediterranean frame drums, accordion). Together, these all-star musicians will transport the audience on a journey through rhythm, pulse, and melody drawn from diverse musical traditions across the globe, including India, Mali, Japan, Italy, and beyond.
The program features virtuoso performances showcasing each artist’s mastery, cultural heritage, and unique artistry, with a focus on both traditional works and their own original compositions. It also includes a special performance of “And The Walls Became The World All Around,” a work by GRAMMY Award-winning bassist, Silkroad member, and composer Edward Pérez, inspired by Maurice Sendak’s beloved children’s book Where the Wild Things Are.
Founded in 1998 by world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the Silkroad Ensemble has been hailed as “one of the most visionary arts initiatives of our time” (WNPR). Now under the artistic direction of Rhiannon Giddens, a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and Pulitzer Prize winner, Silkroad continues to inspire audiences worldwide with innovative music and cultural exchange.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the artistry of Silkroad’s celebrated percussionists in a new touring program live at the Forbes Center, as they showcase the power of music to bridge cultural divides and spark connection.
Tickets are on sale now. Visit the Forbes Center website at www.jmuforbescenter.com or call the Box Office at 540.568.7000 to secure your seat. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music that transcends borders and celebrates the universal language of rhythm!
ABOUT THE FORBES CENTER:
Immerse yourself in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University, where artistic excellence flourishes. With five venues featuring impeccable acoustics and upgraded amenities, enjoy captivating performances by acclaimed guest artists and JMU's talented community. Engage in enriching dialogues, celebrating the transformative power of the arts in the Shenandoah Valley. Experience seamless access and convenient parking, embracing the Forbes Center's commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and artistic innovation on campus and beyond.
ABOUT SILKROAD:
Yo-Yo Ma conceived Silkroad in 1998, recognizing the historical Silk Road as a model for radical cultural collaboration—for the exchange of ideas, tradition, and innovation across borders. In an innovative experiment, he brought together musicians from the lands of the Silk Road to co-create a musical language founded in difference, thus creating the foundation of Silkroad: both a touring ensemble comprised of world-class musicians from all over the globe and an organization working to make a positive impact across borders through the arts. Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad leads initiatives and educational programming alongside the creation of new music by the Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble. For more information, please visit Silkroad.org
This electrifying evening of music will feature an exceptional lineup of instrumentalists, including Sandeep Das (tabla), Haruka Fujii (marimba, hand drums, percussion), Shane Shanahan (hand drums, drum set, percussion), Balla Kouyaté (balafon), Kaoru Watanabe (shinobue, taiko, narimono), and Francesco Turrisi (Mediterranean frame drums, accordion). Together, these all-star musicians will transport the audience on a journey through rhythm, pulse, and melody drawn from diverse musical traditions across the globe, including India, Mali, Japan, Italy, and beyond.
The program features virtuoso performances showcasing each artist’s mastery, cultural heritage, and unique artistry, with a focus on both traditional works and their own original compositions. It also includes a special performance of “And The Walls Became The World All Around,” a work by GRAMMY Award-winning bassist, Silkroad member, and composer Edward Pérez, inspired by Maurice Sendak’s beloved children’s book Where the Wild Things Are.
Founded in 1998 by world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the Silkroad Ensemble has been hailed as “one of the most visionary arts initiatives of our time” (WNPR). Now under the artistic direction of Rhiannon Giddens, a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and Pulitzer Prize winner, Silkroad continues to inspire audiences worldwide with innovative music and cultural exchange.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the artistry of Silkroad’s celebrated percussionists in a new touring program live at the Forbes Center, as they showcase the power of music to bridge cultural divides and spark connection.
Tickets are on sale now. Visit the Forbes Center website at www.jmuforbescenter.com or call the Box Office at 540.568.7000 to secure your seat. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music that transcends borders and celebrates the universal language of rhythm!
ABOUT THE FORBES CENTER:
Immerse yourself in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University, where artistic excellence flourishes. With five venues featuring impeccable acoustics and upgraded amenities, enjoy captivating performances by acclaimed guest artists and JMU's talented community. Engage in enriching dialogues, celebrating the transformative power of the arts in the Shenandoah Valley. Experience seamless access and convenient parking, embracing the Forbes Center's commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and artistic innovation on campus and beyond.
ABOUT SILKROAD:
Yo-Yo Ma conceived Silkroad in 1998, recognizing the historical Silk Road as a model for radical cultural collaboration—for the exchange of ideas, tradition, and innovation across borders. In an innovative experiment, he brought together musicians from the lands of the Silk Road to co-create a musical language founded in difference, thus creating the foundation of Silkroad: both a touring ensemble comprised of world-class musicians from all over the globe and an organization working to make a positive impact across borders through the arts. Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad leads initiatives and educational programming alongside the creation of new music by the Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble. For more information, please visit Silkroad.org
