duoJalal

Racing along with our new global society, duoJalal surprises the music world with their diverse and stunning artistry. duoJalal “are fearless seekers and synthesizers of disparate instruments and cultures” raves the Toronto Star.  Like the marriage between Kathryn Lockwood and Yousif Sheronick, their music represents an organic amalgam of cultural traditions and musical styles. Audiences are enthralled as a classically trained violist from Australia ignites her instrument with passion - one minute embodying a gypsy violinist, the next a Middle Eastern reed flutist. Yousif, of Lebanese descent, dazzles as he manipulates sound by simply snapping his fingers at the edge of an Egyptian frame drum or dragging his foot across the Peruvian cajon. From their chamber music foundation, duoJalal moves from Classical to Klezmer, Middle Eastern to Jazz, with a skillful confluence that is natural, exploratory and passionate. Inspired by their namesake, 13th century poet Jalal a din Rumi, whose visions and words brought together people of different religions, cultures and races, duoJalal opens their doors to all communities for a diverse and stimulating inter-cultural experience.

For the past five years duoJalal has performed throughout the United States, Australia and Brazil regularly performing world premiers of works composed or arranged for the group by Philip Glass, Derek Bermel, Kenji Bunch, David Krakauer and Giovanni Sollima. Their latest project “The Rumi Experience” was premiered at the Williams Center in Easton PA.  The premier included a new work composed for the “Experience” by Evan Ziporyn and coupled spoken Rumi poetry with each work.  duoJalal released their first CD on Innova Recordings titled “A Different World”. Critics hail the CD as an “exhilarating sonic and somewhat mystical experience” (Jordon Times). The Toronto Star exclaims "If this is what the world music's future holds, bring on the party." Always eager to collaborate, the duo also offers two additional programs, one with piano trio and another with dancers. The duo premiered a new work with piano trio in San Antonio TX by composer Jack Stamps and also created a wonderful program with two dancers at UMASS/Amherst.

Also known for their outstanding teaching skills, duoJalal offers masterclasses and clinics for string soloists and ensembles as well as world drumming to both children and adults. Recent masterclasses were held at Manhattan School of Music, New York University and the Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention.