World Festival of Sacred Music, Los Angeles

Two concerts of the World Festival of Sacred Music, Los Angeles, take place at the Getty Center in 2008. Featuring 41 events over 16 days, the festival celebrates music as an expression of humanity's most profound aspirations and as a way to transcend borders of all kinds. See the full festival schedule at www.festivalofsacredmusic.org.

Chirgilchin

Date: Friday, September 26, 2008
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium

Meaning "miracle" or "dance of air in the heat of day," master Tuvan "throat singers" Chirgilchin play their vocal chords like instruments, making the notes resonate through the pipes and chambers of their noses and throats. This technique produces multiphonic harmonies that echo natural sounds—like harmonizing with waterfalls. Some call it Buddhist shaman music. No matter the name, simply put it is a stunning mix of magic and meditation.

Learn more about Chirgilchin on the Web site of the World Festival of Sacred Music.

Music Sample
Hear an excerpt from "Chuguruk Aat" from Chirgilchin's CD Collectible (2005, Pure Nature Music).

Enzo Avitabile & the Sacro Sud Project

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium

Alongside other unique instruments and chorus, the voice and saxophone of Neapolitan great Enzo Avitabile will join forces with the launeddas of master musician Luigi Lai and the hurdy-gurdy of the stunning Maurizio Martinotti. The Sacro Sud Project is an imaginary journey from Nazareth to Naples, exploring the spiritual vitality of the many "souths" of the world and featuring songs from a variety of epochs—including some created during the time of another celebrated son of Naples, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Complements the exhibition Bernini and the Birth of Baroque Portrait Sculpture.

Learn more about Enzo Avitabile & the Sacro Sud Project on the Web site of the World Festival of Sacred Music.

Music Sample
Hear an excerpt from "È Nnato" from Enzo Avitabile and the Sacro Sud Project's CD Sacro Sud (2006, FolkClub Ethnosuoni).

How to Get Here
The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California, approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. See Hours, Directions, Parking for directions and parking information.