New shows, Trip Report, Thanks for your Support! October Newsletter

One of SAMA’s core inspirations is rooted in the history of music as a tool for healing and community-building. We've begun exploring this ancient, powerful practice with trips to Morocco and Turkey, spending time with Sufi orders to learn how music and art deepen their bonds and help guide them through the challenges they face. Recently, we journeyed to the captivating country of Malaysia, joined by composer and journalist Peter Culshaw. There, we spent time with elders and artists incorporating both ancient and modern techniques to foster connection and wellness within their communities. We’ll be sharing more about these experiences soon, but here are some photos of our journey.

Over the years, many experiences have shaped my empathy for people migrating from one part of the world to another. My own journey as an immigrant has had a profound impact, but increasingly, as I travel for work, I realize that our roots and traditions are the foundations upon which we build ourselves. These bedrocks don’t have to be chains that bind us to dogma; rather, they are roots that anchor us and offer stability for the future. I see and hear this in the music of cultures worldwide, and it gives me solace as we confront the challenges ahead.

Born in Gdynia, Poland in the 1960s, my early years were spent wearing the red kerchief required of Eastern Bloc children. We were taken to performances that celebrated the “brotherhood of man” under communism. At one such performance by Vietnamese musicians, I found myself captivated by the shapes and sounds of the stringed instruments. Singers and dancers told traditional stories through song, movement, and colorful costumes. Though the show was intended to promote the “glories” of communism, it instilled in me a deep respect for the art, people, and culture of a country I didn’t even know existed before that moment.

Since then, I’ve been hooked on discovering more about our world and the incredible diversity of our species. SAMA is the latest expression of a lifelong mission to help others find wonder in and acceptance of other cultures. Alongside Executive Producer John Goodfellow, I am thankful every day to have you on this journey with us. After all, *you* are the reason for our work.

As we celebrate five years of creating transformative musical and educational experiences, I invite you to help us grow. Your charitable gift is a powerful way to show that you value the artists, cultures, and programs that SAMA brings to the community. With your support, we can reach new audiences, host more events across the state and around the world, and bring the wonder of music to more people. Together, let’s create a more curious and harmonious world, harnessing the power of music to bring us all closer. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Gratefully discovering the world with you,

Darek Mazzone, Artistic Director

Global Rhythms

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our Global Rhythms concert series in partnership with Town Hall Seattle! The series kicked off the other week with the incredible Debashish Bhattacharya

SPOTLIGHT: KAYHAN KALHOR

Kayhan Kalhor is an internationally acclaimed virtuoso on the kamancheh (spiked fiddle) who, through his many collaborations, has been instrumental in popularizing Persian music around the world and is a creative force in today’s music scene. His performances of traditional Persian music and multiple collaborations have attracted audiences around the globe. He has studied the music of Iran’s many regions, in particular those of Khorason and Kordestan, and has toured the world as a soloist with various ensembles and orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and the Orchestre National de Lyon.

In 1991 he co-founded Dastan, the renowned Persian classical music ensemble, and in 1997 he formed Ghazal ensemble with Shujaat Husain Khan. His commissions include works written for the Kronos Quartet and for Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project, with whom he continues to compose for as well as tour. In 2002 he was nominated for a BBC Radio 3 World Music Award; In 2005 he was awarded the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (“German Record Critics’ Award”) and in 2017 he was awarded a Grammy.

His latest album––The Sky is the Same Colour Everywhere––is a collaboration with the late Toumani Diabaté: a master Malian kora player who was named one of the best fifty African artists. Give the beautiful record a listen and go see Kayhan live at our Global Rhythm Series with Seattle Town Hall.

SAMA Malaysia

Exploring the Healing Power of Music with SAMA

One of the core inspirations behind SAMA is the powerful history of music as a tool for healing and community building. Across cultures and centuries, music has served as a bridge, bringing people together and providing solace through challenging times.

Recently, we’ve embarked on journeys to explore this ancient practice more deeply. In Morocco and Turkey, we spent time with Sufi communities, learning how they use music and art to strengthen bonds and navigate the challenges of daily life. This exploration has given us invaluable insights into the ways these traditions foster resilience and unity.

On our latest trip, we traveled to the mesmerizing country of Malaysia, accompanied by our friend, composer, and journalist Peter Culshaw. There, we met with elders and artists who are weaving together ancient practices and modern techniques to promote connection and well-being in their communities.

We’re excited to share more stories, insights, and experiences from these journeys soon. In the meantime, enjoy a few photos from our travels, capturing moments of music, art, and human connection.

Stay tuned for more updates on SAMA’s journey into the heart of music’s healing power.