23 August 2016 1:13 PM

“Discover Islam” and “A Taste of South Indian and Sephardic Jewish Music” (Song of Wonder Concert Preview) are two fall open houses that the newly created and student governed Diversity Activities Board (DAB) at the University of St. Thomas will be holding for the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center and the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning. Both centers recently moved into the campus house at 2057 Portland Avenue, referred to as Centers for Interreligious Understanding.

“Discover Islam” Sept. 15, 2016, 5-7pm: This event will celebrate Islam and offer an opportunity for dialogue about the religion and its major holiday, Eid-al-Adah. There will be delicious appetizers, live music, and great people to meet. Please stop by and join us! This event is presented by the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center.

“A Taste of South Indian and Sephardic Jewish Music” Oct. 26, 2016, 6-8pm:

Falling between the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and the Hindu holiday of Diwali, this open house features a preview of the “Song of Wonder” concert, a blend of Judeo- Spanish and South Indian music. It is an opportunity to learn about the Jewish and Hindu celebrations and enjoy Jewish and Indian food. Rabbi Norman Cohen and Satya Balroop will be in attendance to teach and answer questions about their traditions. Please stop by and join us! This event is presented by the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning.

The Song of Wonder concert celebrates the spirit of “wonder” through South Indian and Judeo-Spanish music, folktales, and poetry. Co-created by world-renowned musician Nirmala Rajasekar and David Jordan Harris, Artistic Director of Voices of Sepharad, Song of Wonder also features a trio of distinguished instrumentalists: Carnatic percussion master Thanjavur Murugaboopathi, percussionist Mick LaBriola, and oud player David Burk. Highlights of Song of Wonder include excerpts from the oldest known written Jewish music; virtuoso performances of Indian music; ancient Tamil Sangam poetry; Judeo-Spanish and Hebrew chants from traditional Jewish communities in Bosnia, Turkey, and Morocco; and new musical arrangements flowing from the cross-cultural collaboration of these amazing artists. Please consider attending upcoming full Song of Wonder concert at the Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing, MN on November 12 (click here to purchase tickets).

*Both events will take place at 2057 Portland Avenue at the Centers for Interreligious Understanding (across Cleveland from OEC)