Washington Revels Home » Christmas Revels 2011 » Layali El Andalus

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Layali El Andalus

“impassioned performance … unique and unforgettable…” – Melanie Monios, MOMA, New York City

Rachid HalihalSATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 at 7:30 pm

Andalusian Nights
LAYALI EL ANDALUS
with Yasser Darwish

Reviving the golden age of a mythical Andalusia, musicians Rachid Halihal and Daphna Mor draw inspiration from the confluence of Arab and Western cultures of early Spain. Master dancer, Yasser Darwish, will perform the Egyptian saidi and “whirling dervish” dances. Buy Tickets online, or call 1-800-595-4849.

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1801 N. Quaker Lane
Alexandria VA 22302

Since its formation in 2006, Layali El Andalus has brought new passion to the music of Andalusia, North Africa and the Middle East. Founded by Moroccan-born musicians RACHID HALIHAL (singer, oud, violin) and DAVID BUCHBUT (percussion), the group has performed in music festivals and concerts throughout the United States and internationally.

For 20 years the group’s leader, Rachid Halihal (pictured on the right), directed a large musical ensemble in Agadir, Morocco. In 2010 he was invited to conduct the prestigious Aswat Ensemble in the Bay Area of San Francisco. Learn more about Rachid Halihal at www.rachidhalihalmusic.com. Together with Buchbut, percussionist Brahim Fribgane, DAPHNA MOR (flute, recorder and ney), accordion player Uri Sharlin, and various guest performers, they bring to life a diverse repertoire of music including songs from Andalusia, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and the Middle East. Learn more about Daphna Mor at www.daphnamor.com.

Layali El Andalus (full group)Recently, the ensemble appeared at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City:

“While traditional Andalusian music is hardly associated with The Museum of Modern Art, our visitors were treated to the unexpected in a beautiful, impassioned performance by Rachid Halihal and Layali El Andalus who appeared at MoMA as part of a special music series in conjunction with the exhibition, Dalí: Painting and Film. This summer event, set outdoors among the artworks, trees, and reflecting pools in The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, took on an air of pure magic. All 300 plus seats were filled with mesmerized listeners while many others stood in rapt or danced with joy. It was a unique and unforgettable evening.”
– Melanie Monios, MOMA, New York City

Layali El Andalus has performed at music festivals, colleges and universities, and other venues throughout the United States, including Musikfest, the Sephardic Music Festival, and the MOMA Music Series, as well as clubs and performances spaces throughout New York City. Shortly before appearing in the 2011 Christmas Revels, Layali El Andalus will perform at the Montreal Arabic Festival as well as at the opening of the extraordinary new Islamic Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. Learn more about Layali El Andalus at www.layalielandalus.com