TOLEDO – Wisaal, an Arabic-influenced world music ensemble, will perform Saturday at 9 p.m. the Robinwood
Concert House, 2564 Robinwood Ave.
Based in East Lansing, Mich., Wisaal fuses elements of the Arabic musical heritage with klezmer (Eastern
European Jewish dance music), classical Indian, and American influences while respecting the spirit of
these genres. Classical Arabic instrumental pieces from the twentieth century become frameworks within
which traditional Arabic forms and rhythmic patterns blend with Western harmonic backgrounds and
rhythmically charged pop and world-music grooves. Arabic instruments – oud, percussion, and bass – are
joined by klezmer-influenced clarinet, mandolin, and Indian tabla.
The ensemble was formed in February 2010, and derives its name from the Arabic word meaning links,
connections, or unities. Wisaal has received the Excellence in Diversity Awards for Excellence in
Advancing Global Competency, from Michigan State University.
