It often seems that Christians, Jews, and Muslims can’t agree on anything. But today on Soundcheck, we look at music that brings these faiths together. Handel’s oratorio "Judas Maccabeus" tells the story of Hanukkah but it is a favorite for Christmas traditions as well. We welcome Anthony Newman, artistic director of the ensemble Bachworks, to discuss a chamber arrangement he’s made of this popular oratorio. We’re also visited by Dr. Yiorgos Bilalis, director of the Romeiko Ensemble, which is comprised of both Muslims and Christian musicians, along with Cengiz Onural, the Turkish composer and saz player. Dr. Bilalis founded The Romeiko Ensemble as a performance group dedicated to the Music of Byzantium and post-Byzantine eras.
Additional Resources:More about this week’s concert of Judas Maccabeus
More about the Romeiko Ensemble
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