Traditional / Telemann: Tala’a Min Beyt Abouha / Ritornello from Concerto TWV

Inspired by the opulent world of 18th-century Saxon and Syrian coffee houses, and conceived, programmed, and scripted by Alison Mackay, Tales of Two Cities: The Leipzig-Damascus Coffee House explores the relationships between 18th-century Leipzig and Damascus, and features baroque music by Bach, Telemann, and Handel, as well as treasures of classical Arabic music.

It’s 1740, and coffee houses are the places to listen to music and share stories, in both the famous trading centre of Leipzig and one of the oldest cities in the world, Damascus. Experience the visual splendour, music, and contemporary tales of these historic locations, with music by J.S. Bach, Handel, and Telemann.

Performed entirely from memory by Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, and featuring ensemble Trio Arabica—Maryem Tollar, voice and qanun; Demetri Petsalakis, oud; and Naghmeh Farahmand, percussion.

Described as an “enterprising concept … [that] blends elements that are entertaining, educational, musically rewarding” (Huffington Post Canada), Tales of Two Cities received rapturous critical acclaim at its May 2016 Toronto premiere and was named Best Concert of 2016 by the Spanish classical music magazine Codalario.com.

Traditional / Georg Philipp Telemann
Tala’a Min Beyt Abouha / Ritornello from Concerto TWV 52:31

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra on period instruments

Recorded at Aga Khan Museum
Directed by: Jeanne Lamon
Conceived, programmed and scripted: Alison Mackay
Stage Director: Marshall Pynkoski
Production Designer: Glenn Davidson
Projections Designer: Raha Javanfar
Narrators: Alon Nashman & Maryem Tollar
Produced by: 90th Parallel Productions

Trio Arabica
Maryem Tollar, voice and qanun
Demetri Petsalakis, oud
Naghmeh Farahmand, percussion

Narrated by Alon Nashman

Interested in bringing this concert to your city? Visit https://www.tafelmusik.org/touring-pr... for more information.

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A production of ©Tafelmusik Media 2017
Consultant: Ranlin Consulting, Canada
Cover design: Mark Hand
Cover photography: Bruce Zinger
All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or duplication is a violation of applicable laws.
© and ℗ Tafelmusik Media
Made in Canada
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TMK1035DVDCD

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