Surya Ensemble, the popular collaborative of unique musical performers who host concerts around Atlanta, will being its newest work, Elements, to the Atlanta Theater on July 11 at 8:30 p.m.
The show will conjure the four elements—earth, water, wind and fire—and represent each with a blending of instrumental music, dance and storytelling.
“While Atlanta offers a range of diverse live entertainment and cultural performances, Surya Ensemble is an experience like no other,” said Ankit Patel, Surya Ensemble’s founder and Shehnai player. “At a Surya concert, expect to be transported to faraway lands, moved by the emotional depth of our music and energized by the sheer joy of the performance.”
Surya Ensemble is made up of familiar instruments such as violin, guitar and viola mixed with unique international instruments such as Persian drums and Shehnai, a traditional Indian oboe, providing a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western music.
Patel is joined by Michelle Winters on violin; Nima Ghadiri on daf, a Middle Eastern frame drum; Catherine Evergreen on viola; and Sean Thrower on guitar. Maria Martynova will be the featured dancer.
Each of the four movements in the show is followed by a brief note from a member of the ensemble explaining the history and usage of their instrument, tying in a vital educational moment that enhances the audience’s understanding of the show and its mission.
Additional performances of Elements will take place over the course of the next year and will be announced soon. For more information, visit suryaensemble.com.
Photo: Members of the Surya Ensemble, coming to the Atlanta Theatre July 11. Photo courtesy Surya Ensemble
