Bahar Ensemble
Original Professional Performers
Beau Bothwell & Ahmed Tofiq, Co-Directors
The Bayati Ensemble was created from the Bahar Ensemble (a group of 5 professional members, who played Middle Eastern music and performed frequently at events in Kalamazoo. In order to extend the opportunity to play this music to more people in the community, Beau and Ahmed developed the Bayati Ensemble, which is open to K-College and WMU students for course credit and to community musicians. This is the first ensemble of its kind in Kalamazoo.
The only requirement to join the ensemble is to have basic proficiency on an instrument. We can take string players, winds, percussion, keyboard, and are looking for oud, saz, sagat, and qanun players and vocalists with experience in Middle Eastern traditions. Rehearsal schedules follow the K-College academic calendar. Interested musicians can email Dr. Beau Bothwell at beau.bothwell@kzoo.edu.
The Bayati Ensemble is intended to engage Kalamazoo student and community musicians in the study and performance of Middle Eastern music, and to create greater awareness and appreciation of Middle Eastern music and culture through concerts.
Requirements
No audition or knowledge of Middle Eastern music is required, though some prior experience on an instrument is expected.
Rehearsal Schedule
Day/Time:
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Location:
Band Room – FAB11 – Light Fine Arts Building
Contact
For more information on the Bayati Ensemble please email Beau Bothwell:
2024 Events
Midwinter Music Concert
- Bayati Ensemble and Kalamazoo College Singers
- Beau Bothwell & Ahmed Tofiq, Co-Directors of Bayati
- Christopher Ludwa, Director of Kalamazoo College Singers
- Sun. Feb. 25th, 2024 at 4pm
- Dalton Theater, Light Fine Arts Building
- FREE / Donations Appreciated
This collaborative concert features the Bayati Ensemble and Kalamazoo College Singers performing Middle Eastern Instrumental and vocal music. You can expect a delightfully sonorous afternoon of music from across the globe.
