Three master musicians draw on their own backgrounds in klezmer, flamenco, jazz, Ladino, Arabic and other folk traditions. Together they create a rich tapestry that is at once a taste of the old, and a new creation all on its own—the kind of energy that only comes when distant cultures overlap and celebrate their differences.
Musicians:
Asaf Ophir—woodwinds and vocals
David McLean—guitar
Josh Mellinger—percussions
Asaf Ophir began his career in Israel as a woodwind player in musical theater, performing on some of the most distinguished stages in the country. Currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ophir is often invited to collaborate with artists from a wide variety of cultures, including Jewish, Arabic, European, Persian, Kurdish and others. Equally at home with classical, jazz, and world music, Ophir has shared the stage with Miri Mesika, Avi Kushnir, Galit Giat, David De'or, Ustad Mahwash, Rana Farhan and Barbara Streisand. The
San Francisco Chronicle writes: "Asaf Ophir gives the clarinet the timbre of a trumpet, then a violin, then a raspy scream… the instrument's wail almost becomes too plaintive and beautiful to bear." For more information, visit his website at
AsafOphir.com.
A flamenco guitarist and composer,
David McLean's musical wanderings finally converged in Granada, Spain, where he studied for several years under renowned guitarists Rafaelin Habichuela, Emilio Maya and Ramon del Paso. He later moved to Jerez de la Frontera, where he focused on the art of traditional vocal and dance accompaniment, studying under Pascual de Lorca, Jose Galvez and others. Since returning from Spain, McLean has performed in hundreds of traditional and contemporary flamenco productions throughout the United States and Europe and released two solo albums. The
San Francisco Chronicle calls his music "subtly driving" and "sinuous," and
Just Jazz Guitar Magazine writes of his music: "a unique sculpture of chord color, raw guts and effusive linear tapestries. McLean's compositions fly freely between dark ferocities and uplifting forays that touch the clouds, sometimes within only a few measures." For more information, visit his website at
DavidMcLean.net.
A graduate of CalArts,
Josh Mellinger is a multi-instrumental percussionist who has studied under the guidance of Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, Randy Gloss, Houman Pourmehdi and David Johnson. A master of many instruments and percussive styles, Mellinger is both an innovator and a preserver of age-old traditions. He currently performs and teaches in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he has worked with ensembles such as the John Clarke Trio, StringQuake, Gamelan X, The View from Bernal Hill and The Spirit of the Lotus.
Funded in part by the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. We are grateful for the generous support of all of our donors.
Tuesday, December 12
1:00–2:00 PM | Doors open at 12:30 PM | Linger after the concert for a snack and beverage in the lobby.
The Nourish Cafe on campus is open for lunch before the concert.
Albert and Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall (Bldg F)
$15 tickets purchased online before December 4 | $25 after December 4. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Contact: Michelle Rosengaus |
[email protected]
