Special Multicultural Concert for Religious Freedom Highlight of Human Rights Week in Flushing, December 5
diverse musical artists and traditions performing on December 5
Mosque attacked by extremist Buddhists in Burma/Myanmar
At Time of Increasing Persecutions Around the World, Special Multicultural Concert Marks Human Rights Week in Flushing, "Birthplace of Religious Freedom" in USA
Despite horrific persecution of religious minorities by ISIS, & spiritual traditions under attack from Burma to Beijing, the liberating power of music can begin to heal & unify us all.
FLUSHING, QUEENS, NEW YORK, USA, November 30, 2014 /EINPresswire.com/ -- To mark Human Rights Week 2014 six amazingly diverse performing groups will come together at Flushing Town Hall to celebrate Religious Freedom and to raise awareness of the persecution of religious minorities around the world. — Adem Carroll of the Flushing Interfaith Council
The Deeper Harmonies Special Concert Event on Friday, December 5th will start at 7 pm at Flushing Town Hall at 135-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing NY 11353 close to the Main Street 7 Train. This event takes place in the tradition of the famous Flushing Remonstrance, founding document of religious freedom in the USA, and only steps away from where it took place over 350 years ago.
The beloved choirs Interfaith Willow Women’s Chorus and TOMO Japan Choral Harmony which come together for the first time with songs in many languages, along with spiritual folk singers, leaders of Hindu chant and renowned artists from the Flamenco and Arab music traditions.
“At this time when the horrific persecution of religious minorities by ISIS has gotten the public attention, and the right to worship is challenged around the world from Burma to Beijing, the liberating power of music can help carry the power of more inclusive faith and deeper spiritual awareness, whatever the cultural or spiritual framework,” stated Adem Carroll of the Flushing Interfaith Council.
Tickets are in an affordable $10-15 range. Proceeds will benefit the Peace and Justice Committee of Flushing Interfaith Council and also Burma Task Force USA, a nonprofit initiative working to raise awareness about the increasing persecution of religious minorities in Burma and to support a more inclusive civil society free from Islamophobia.
“We are looking forward to the spell-binding flamenco, along with Sami Abu Shamys and colleagues from Zikrayet, a performing group which so movingly embodies the musical heritage of the Arab world so endangered now by war and reactionary movements. “ added John Choe, local community leader and also a member of Flushing Interfaith Council. “This will be a cultural feast.”
“Willow” is an interfaith women's choir under the direction of Farah Chandu, who stated, "We are mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers, from all corners of Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, we represent several different faith traditions and we have discovered tremendous common ground in sharing each other's sacred music. We use our music to actively support peace and human rights."
The two choirs have chosen an amazingly inclusive song list, in Latin, Arabic, Swahili, Japanese, Spanish and Hebrew, including love songs and liturgical chants, southern spirituals and inspirational Broadway show tunes.
A leader from Hindu Temple Society will lead some participatory chanting and folk singers Katy Mantyk and Nemanja Rebic (NEMO) will represent other traditions that are persecuted in China, with their own beautiful folk songs. Other speakers will acknowledge the struggles of diverse communities around the world. There will be special guests, and a unique jam session bringing together all of the performers in a song, with audience members also encouraged to sing along.
With its continuing development as a vibrant cultural destination, and newly renovated theater, Flushing Town Hall (www.flushingtownhall.org) has been in the news this week. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/nyregion/two-good-reasons-to-visit-flushing-queens.html?_r=0
Please mark your calendar and contact us at flushinginterfaithcouncil@gmail.com or call 646 251 0402 for further announcements about this unity event and other exciting events reflecting Flushing’s amazing heritage of diversity. For Flushing Council Events please see: www.flushinginterfaithcouncil.wordpress.com.
P Adem Carroll
Flushing Interfaith Council
(646) 251 0402
email us here
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