MUSIC

Divas World Productions presents Divas Salon: Who are the Roma?,  7:30pm, Tuesday, May 17, in Duncan Recital Hall, Rice University. The Divas Salon Series is a uniquely modern expression of the 19th century European tradition of classical music programming. Music and intellectual thought are integrated by combining musical performance, a short lecture, and an interactive conversation with the audience and artists.

Who are the Roma? will explore the history of the Roma (or Romani) people – commonly though inaccurately known as “Gypsies” – who have been in the Americas since the late 1400s. Their roots are in India, but a long history of oppression has spread them to various corners of the globe. This same history has led to a rich tradition of music and art about survival and triumph. Romani scholar Dr. Ian Hancock will join host Dr. David Eagleman (pictured) for an evening that will blend music and discussion while considering the facts and dispelling the myths about the Romani people.

Dr. Hancock is director of the Program of Romani Studies and the Romani Archives and Documentation Center at The University of Texas at Austin, where he has been a professor of English, linguistics and Asian studies since 1972. He has represented the Romani people at the United Nations and served as a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council under President Bill Clinton.
Notable Romani’s of the world include Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hoskins, Adam Ant, Ronnie Wood, Olympic boxing medalist Serafim Todorov, and Nobel Prize winning scientist August Krogh.

Musical guests performing during Who are the Roma? include the premiere Nuevo Russian-Romany musical ensemble Via Romen, along with Marcus DeLoach (baritone), Zachary Carrettin (violin), Susan Archibald (piano), and Divas World’s Rodney Waters (piano). Musical selections will feature traditional Roma music and Dvorak Gypsy Songs.

Bringing it all together and generating audience discussion, the evening will be moderated by Dr. David Eagleman, PhD, Neuroscientist, Author, and Divas World Board Member.

Who are the Roma? will be recorded for national broadcast on public radio, and the audience will experience an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the making of a public radio show.

Who are the Roma? is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.; the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Duncan Recital Hall is located in the Alice Pratt Brown Hall at Rice University, Houston, TX.  For more information, contact Divas World at 713-524-2854 or visit www.DivasWorld.org.