Izra Malakov's Bukharian Jewish Folklore Ensemble in "Jews of the Silk Road: Their Culture and Their Music" November 2, 2008

Ochil Ibragimov, rubab, violin
David Davidov, tar
Malika Kalantarova, dance
Iskak Gilkarov, doira, drum

This concert is sponsored by the international conference, "Iranian Jewry: From Past to Present."

Born in 1938 in the city of Shahrizyabz, Uzbekistan, Izra Malakov is a descendent of a long line of rabbis. Arriving in America in 1992, he became a cantor. He has devoted his life to preservation of the Bukharan Jewish musical tradition, and toured the world presenting its exotic melodies, captivating rhythms and entrancing tone colors. The troupe’s Silk Road attire and folk instruments will transport you thousands of miles away and centuries into an unforgettable past.

In folk tradition, Bukharan Jews, who speak a distinct central Asian dialect closely related to Tajiki Persian, sometimes trace their own origins to the exile of the ten tribes of Israel in the seventh century BCE. Bukharan Jewish music, like other aspects of culture, shows a unique blend of Central Asian, Sephardic Jewish and Arab elements.

Official Website: http://claricesmithcenter.umd.edu/2007/c/performances/performance?rowid=8061