In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Libana

Group.

takes its name from a 10th century Moorish woman, who was a poet, philosopher, and musician, symbolically representing women's creativity and vision throughout time. The group was founded by its Artistic Director, Susan Robbins in 1979, with the idea of exploring and performing music and dance which reflect women's often undocumented creative contributions to their cultures. For the past 29 years, they have taken audiences throughout North America and Europe on inspiring and celebratory musical journeys, weaving together the songs, dances and instrumental music of the world's cultures, especially as handed down through the artistic traditions of women.

Their repertoire of ancient melodies and contemporary tunes is performed a cappella and with a vast array of instruments including guitar, dumbek, accordion, oud, naqqara, clarinet and double bass. Their music is drawn from the divergent cultural expressions of the Mediterranean, the Balkans, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Libana's music and dance go directly to the heart, inspiring audiences with wonder in the commonality of the global community.

Discography

Displaying 1-2 of 2 items.

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Jubilate Gaia

Libana : Turning

Review: First formed in 1979, Libana, focuses on researching and performing songs, dances and instrumental music from around the world, particularly music written for, by and about women. "Turning" is the group's 7th excellent album, some of the 17 songs accompanied by its members playing their own instruments, including clarinet, djembe, djun djun, bells, frame drum, kalimba, shekere, soprano recorder, accordion, hammered dulcimer, ipu, piano and agogo bell. Some of our favorites are the a cappella tunes "I Arise Facing East" by Deborah Lanstaff, the Japanese Folk tune "Hotaru Koi," "Con el Viento," a lovely round from Renaissance Spain, the powerful Bulgarian Folk tune "Planino Peren," Linda Hischhorn's soaring "Sin Shalom" and Melchior Franck's 16th Century round "Da Pacem." We also particularly loved the percussion-accompanied South African tune "Babe Thandaza/Sin Djen," the live Hawai'ian song "E Pele E Pele/E Pele I Hawai'i" and the greeting and blessing for peace, "Salaam Aleikhum." Libana's music is always a treat to us, authentic and new to our ears; and performed beautifully with reverence and spirit!

Songlist: I Arise Facing East, Thugamar Fein an Samradh Linn, Hotaru Koi, Con El Viento, Jubilate Gaia, Pele Hula, Planino Peren, Babe Thandaza/ Sin Djen, Afunga Alafia, Kalimba Invocation, Spinning Song, Midnight Meditation, Ma Navu, Salaam Aleikhum, Sim Shalom, Da Pacem, Out Beyond

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Libana : Out Of This World

Review: Now in their 20th year, the 7 women singers of Libana, New England's international touring world music ensemble specializing in researching and performing songs, dances and instrumental music from around the world, especially as handed down through women's traditions. The women are expert in many vocal styles including a cappella Bulgarian music, exquisite Balkan harmonies, and the traditional singing of Berber women in Algeria. They also present, among others, music and ritual dancing of Egypt, Hawaii, Africa and Latin America. In addition to their compelling a cappella singing, the women of Libana also play an array of instruments including double bass, clarinet, dumbek, accordion, oud, charango, hammered dulcimer and conga. Out of This World is their 7th CD.

Songlist: O Mama Bakudala, Gandagana, Momice Hubavo, Tendl Pal, Oi Dai, Alta, Alta, Daroni, Avaze Isfahan, Ehli, Eyli, Ya Jamil, Dark Of The Moon, E Pele E Pele / E Pele I Hawai'i, Utha, Utha, Didi Bahini, Zar, Ad Cethent Tulas, Deep Peace

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