Ilham

Spinning on Air | May 18, 2010

“Ilham” is Arabic for “inspiration,” and this collaborative trio relies on the inspiration of the moment and the interplay of three different traditions to create new music with deep roots. Syrian-born vocalist Gaida Hinnawi is featured, weaving her acrobatic, highly emotional singing with the cello of Canadian Rufus Cappadoccia, and the trumpet and santur (Persian hammered dulcimer) of Iraqi-American Amir ElSaffar. Ilham performs in the WNYC Studio and discusses their influences and backgrounds with host David Garland. This show first aired on March 30, 2008.

View photos from the session

Gaida at MySpace

Rufus Cappadocia

Amir ElSaffar

David Garland's Ear to Ear interview with Amir ElSaffar

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.

Gothamist |

Gina Hinojosa Aims to Make Texas Blue Again. Plus, Reading Is Alive and Well

A Texas Democrat is running neck and neck with the Republican incumbent in the governor’s race. And a staff writer says that news of the demise of books is greatly exaggerated.

The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Claire Valdez on populism and the DSA agenda in Congress

Who’s Running This Place |

The Classroom/Technology Pipeline

Natasha Singer's new book explores how big tech became ensconced in our childrens' classrooms