Guided Search: Middle East, Hosts

“Revered among aficionados of Persian classical and folk music, Sahba Motallebi is a virtuoso performer on the long-necked stringed instruments known as tar and setar. ” – LA Weekly

“Evocative melodies, intricate arabesques, and sparkling cascades over the mystical-spiritual aura of the ney flute. Contemplative or rhythmic, the trio produces a unique magic.”
– Frankfurt Journal

Jaffna plays original acoustic music rooted in the Indian and Middle Eastern backgrounds of its members, who have worked for decades to create a musical universe where oud, guitar, tabla, and dumbek can live together, argue, eat and stay good friends.

Richard Wike, Director of Global Attitudes Research Pew Research Center, will discuss the results of Pew Foundation studies regarding attitudes of Middle Eastern nations and people of the United States.

New York Times journalist, Anemona Hartocollis, has been chosen as the National Resource Centers’ Global Distinguished Lecturer for 2016. In her talk she will discuss her experience following a group of migrants and refugees from the Greek Island of Kos to Denmark. She will explore the struggles, hopes and desires of people she met along the way and ponder the unknown outcomes of this mass exodus from the Middle East and North Africa.