On Wednesday, October 20th Intercultural Journeys, an Arab/Israeli music ensemble dedicated to breaking down barriers between cultures and peoples in conflict through artistic performances, the Goodwin College of Professional Studies and the Westphal College have organized an evening of music, conversation and food: Harmony, Hip-Hop and Hope: Shalom/Salaam,focusing on hope for peaceful resolutions of conflicts in the Middle East. The evening will begin with a reception at 6:30 PM featuring Middle Eastern appetizers at the Mandell Theater (33rd & Market Sts.).

The concert, beginning at 7 PM, will feature Intercultural Journeys, comprised of Udi Bar-David, Israeli-American cellist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and President and Artistic Director of Intercultural Journeys; Hanna Khoury, Arab-Israeli violinist and Director of Philadelphia’s Arab Music Ensemble; Hafez El Ali Kotain, a Syrian/American percussionist and Director of Al Bustan` Percussion Ensemble. Syrian/American Hip-Hop artist Omar Offendum will be the special guest artist. Known for taking audiences on lyrical journeys, Offendum has travelled the world playing music and raising thousands of dollars for humanitarian causes. To hear a sample of Omar’s music, click here. The concert will open with Drexel’s Mediterranean Ensemble led by Bruce Kaminsky. The Mediterranean Ensemble will feature guest artists from Atzilut: Concerts for Peace and Meesha of the Philadelphia Belly Dance All Stars. At the conclusion of the performance a dessert reception will feature sweets crafted by students in the Goodwin College’s Culinary Arts Program.

Intercultural Journey’s performance repertoire includes Longa Shahnaz by Adham Afandi; Volich, a traditional Jewish melody; Il-Hilwa di Amit by Sayed Darwish; Ma Omrot Einaich by Mordechai Zeira; and Leylat Hubb by Muhammad Abd al-Wahhab.

Additional support for the evening is made possible by the Middle East Center at University of Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.drexel.edu/westphal or call 215-895-1029.