THE MISSION AND MUSIC OF SONGS OF THE SPIRIT

With religious violence and extremist rhetoric on the rise throughout the world, popular perceptions of faith and culture continue to become more dangerously polarized and distorted. As a unifying voice amidst the conflict and confusion, the international performing arts community can be a deeply inspirational force for clarity, fellowship and healing.

The Songs of the Spirit concert series is a musical celebration of unity among diverse faiths and cultures.  In addition to the wide range of genres—folk, jazz, rock, klezmer, gospel, multiphonic chant and more—readings from both sacred and secular texts weave a thematic thread throughout the program, focusing on the shared spiritual ideals of an interconnected, interdependent world.

2007 NEW YORK STATE TOUR
The 2007 Songs of the Spirit lineup is extraordinary.  In addition to their individual performances, artists will explore new collaborative territory, such as Musical Director Craig Harris’s original piece with the Tibetan monks that fuses contemporary jazz with sacred multiphonic chant.  Klezmer and world beat virtuosos, Frank London and Lorin Sklamberg, will perform with Persian-American vocalist Haale and her band, and the Shangilia Youth Choir will join Odetta and Tracy Grammer—among a range of other musical and cultural intersections.

Selected venues will host pre/post-performance discussions with participating artists, examining the compositions and collaborations and the relationship of music to issues of faith and culture. 

On Thursday, November 15 , a symposium on music, religion and culture will be held at Union Theological Seminary in New York City from 3:00 to 5:30 pm.  The afternoon program will examine the role of music and the arts as cultural diplomacy, the influences of religion and culture on artists and audiences, and the expression of common spiritual ideals through the music of diverse  faiths and cultures.  A panel discussion will be led by Billboard columnist and NPR contributor Anastasia Tsioulcas, and Union Professor of Theology, World Religions and Culture, Paul Knitter.  Participants will include composer/trombonist and Songs of the Spirit Musical Director, Craig Harris; Persian-American vocalist & songwriter, Haale; and composer/trumpeter Frank London of The Klezmatics. This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Troy Messenger at 212-280-1523 or visit www.utsnyc.edu.

SONGS OF THE SPIRIT IN THE BERKSHIRES
On Friday, December 7, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA will present its annual co-production of Songs of the Spirit, with performances by Pakistani rock star, Salman Ahmad, of Junoon; renowned composer, conceptualist and Captain Beefheart guitarist, Gary Lucas; and North Adams's own singer/songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Jamie Choquette.  Songs of peace and hope will be sung by the Gabriel Abbot School Children's Choir of Florida, MA

PARALLEL VOICE PRODUCTIONS specializes in the presentation of music from the diverse cultures and spiritual traditions of the world. We create concerts and events designed to facilitate interfaith and intercultural understanding, presenting individual and collaborative performances by many of the most inspired and inspiring artists on the planet.  We are pleased to announce the 2007 season of our multi-artist concert series, Songs of the Spirit.

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