Kairos Ensemble
The Kairos Ensemble celebrates the distinct musical traditions of its diverse members while exploring the power of improvisation and cross-cultural collaboration. It features virtuosic performers who bring a riveting and energetic new sound to the stage, tapping into Indian, Middle Eastern, jazz, rock, and Japanese traditions. The extraordinary talents of each artist are woven together in a cohesive musical mosaic resulting in an innovative connecting of creative worlds. The Kairos Ensemble believes in the power of music as a tool for creating and deepening community, as well as discovering other cultures and new aspects of our own humanity. In addition to concerts, the ensemble offers a wide range of workshops designed for students of music, dance, and the humanities. For inquiries and bookings please email us here. For more information please click the button below.
The Kairos Ensemble Features
Roopa Mahadevan: South Indian Vocals
Kaoru Watanabe: Japanese Flutes and Taiko Drums
Eylem Basaldi/Megan Gould: Turkish/Middle Eastern Violin
Brad Shepik: Guitar
Edward Perez: Bass
Video Excerpts of the Kairos Ensemble
Heavy Heart was composed during the early days of the global Covid-19 pandemic. It comes out of a place of deep mourning for the lives lost and the struggle to find hope. These conflicting emotions are the driving force of the piece.
Oil Field Fires refers to the blazes set by Saddam Hussein's troops as they withdrew from Kuwait during the First Gulf War. This piece emerged from those dramatic images and the long-term aftermath of this conflict.
Audacity is inspired by the diverse cultural background of former President Obama and by his book “Audacity of Hope”. The piece draws on influences from Indonesia, Africa, the US, the Middle East, and Japan.
Saidi Swing is inspired by the Middle Eastern dance rhythm known as Saidi. This duo version is for Darbuka/Riq and Taiko Drum.