BROOKLYN MAQAM presents: PRINKIPO

Brooklyn Maqam is an organization dedicated to presenting Middle Eastern (in particular, Arabic) music, with the goals of expanding its audience, preserving it as an art form, and building community centered around the music.

This month:

Prinkipo's repertoire is a collection of traditional melodies, passed down through generations and shared across Greece, Turkey, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Their songs have been woven into the collective heritage of these regions, forming a rich sound atlas that captures the lives, stories and cultures of the people.

Featuring:

Fuat Caner Tokgozol - Oud

Ozlem Rozanitis - vocals

Gilbert Mansour - percussion

Sal Mamudoski - clarinet

Dila Oktay - kemenche

Bashar Farran - bass

Prinkipo is an ensemble based in New York City that blends the musical traditions of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.The ensemble includes Fuat Caner Tokgozol on oud, Ozlem Rozanitis on vocals, Gilbert Mansour on percussion, Sal Mamudoski on clarinet, Dila Oktay on kemenche, and Bashar Farran on bass. Their repertoire consists of traditional melodies passed down through generations, originating from Greece, Turkey, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Their songs are living narratives that reflect the collective histories and cultures of the communities they represent. Their music showcases a rich blend of maqams, rhythms, and various musical traditions from these regions, including rebetiko and traditional folk music, creating a beautiful fusion of diverse influences. Prinkipo’s performances are dynamic, featuring expressive solos, improvisation, and spontaneous musical interactions that create a connection between the musicians and their audience. Having gained recognition through standout performances, including appearances at events like Make Music New York, Prinkipo continues to share their music. With a commitment to community and cultural exploration, the ensemble is dedicated to fostering unity and understanding through music. Prinkipo is offering this concert as part of a series celebrating Hidirellez, made possible by a distinguished grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Hidirellez is a lively and ancient folk festival celebrated in Turkey and across the broader region, marking the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. This engaging concert will feature storytelling that delves into Hidirellez’s traditions and significance, offering a unique opportunity to learn about and connect with this rich cultural celebration.