Saturday, July 8, 2023
7:30 PM
Within the unique repertoire of Hola-Yallah! is the integration of the music elements, styles and rhythms of two cultures, Arab and Spanish by two extraordinary musicians with strong improvisational skills. Georges Lammam and Gabriel Navia present classical songs from both traditions while intertwining stylistic elements of both cultures giving the music a new and interesting rendition. Additionally, you will hear original music composed by either or both of the artists, filling the program with unique and joyful sound.
About the artists:
Georges Lammam, of Palestinian descent, born in Beirut, Lebanon is a solo violinist exemplifying the Arab style of instrumental improvisation. A recording artist, composer and artistic director for the Georges Lammam Ensemble, Georges is a featured artist in other musical groups – Ancient Future, Wobbly World, Shabazz and Pena Pacha Mama Group. In collaboration with Gabriel Navia, (Spanish guitar) Hola-Yallah! –a LatinArabian Duo was born to fuse musical styles and idioms, giving new expression to classic pieces from both cultures and to create original new music.
Mr. Lammam, as an artistic emissary brings Arab arts and his cultural heritage to fore in highlighting Palestine – both the culture and the people. His music has enhanced and supported the work of arts and philanthropic non-profits in support of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
His compositions and performance excerpts are included in scores for two award-winning documentaries: “Occupation 101 and “Tea on the Axis of Evil”, and he recorded a well-known folkloric debke in a 2016 feature film, “Wrestling Jerusalem” by Aaron Davidman. Mr. Lammam’s five CD discography is available at Itunes, CDbaby and Amazon. A new recording is nearing completion to be available in 2023.
Born into a musical family in Bolivia, Gabriel Navia’s career in music began at age eleven, with his performance on the disc Encuentros with Grammy nominee Eddy Navia and Andean performance group, Sukay in 1993. Fusing flamenco, Cuban, Brazilian and Bolivian music to jazz, pop, rock, electronica and contemporary music, he has performed on many stages around the world in Asia, Europe, North and South America.
He studied at Instituto Eduardo Laredo in Bolivia with Cuban master guitarist, Gerardo Perez, The School of the Arts of San Francisco and the Jazz School of Berkeley CA and was honored with an Outstanding Musicianship Recognition award by Berklee College of Music, Boston MA. In 2007 he received a scholarship from Fundacion Carolina to study in Barcelona with flamenco guitar master, Manuel Granados at the Conservatori del Liceu de Barcelona.
Gabriel’s work has been recognized and supported by the San Francisco Latino Community Foundation, Fundacion Carolina in Spain, Berklee College of Music in Boston, Club Cultural Deportivo Bolivia of Los Angeles, California and by celebrities such as former San Francisco mayors, Willie Brown, Lieutenant Governor of California, Gavin Newsom and actor, Robin Williams.
He joins Georges Lammam, forming the exciting ensemble, Hola-Yallah! – a LatinArabian Duo, creating new music, sharing classic pieces from both cultures and bringing a fresh sound from the very compatible Spanish/Arab musical heritages.
Listen to recordings Hola-Yallah! has posted on YouTube while you buy your tickets.