Description

Samba Fogo proudly presents Xiré, an evening of original music and dance with George Edgar Brown and friends.

Xiré (she-reh) is an exciting new collaboration between local composer George Edgar Brown and Samba Fogo. Premiering original compositions by Brown, coupled with choreography by Samba Fogo Artistic Director Lorin Hansen, Xiré is a folkloric adventure featuring an original score of incendiary Afro-Brazilian rhythms and dance combined with the smooth sound of traditional chamber orchestra and mixed vocal quartet.

Xiré is a Yorùbá word that means “dance” or “dance circle.” In Brazil it is used to describe the songs and dances of the Orixá (o-ree-sha), nature spirits found in West African and African diasporic culture. With the forced movement of Africans to Brazil by Portuguese colonizers, the Orixá traveled also to the New World, surviving in part under the guise of Catholicism, as each Orixá was syncretised with a specific Catholic Saint. In the Brazilian religious tradition of Candomblé today, each Orixá is venerated through rich rhythms, songs, and dances representative of their distinct energy and characteristics. The Orixá and their wealth of tradition have continued to thrive to today – despite centuries of stigma and oppression – as an integral part of Brazil’s vibrant culture and artistic legacy.

This live music and dance concert will take audiences on a journey, visiting sixteen unique Orixá through sixteen original pieces. Brown has paired Afro-Brazilian Candomblé rhythms with a traditional classical aesthetic – string quintet and vocal quartet – to blend both African and European influences with ancient and modern expressions. Brown’s compositions will be augmented by dancers portraying each Orixá, in ornate traditional costuming.

Come enjoy this unique, creative blend of culture, sound, and movement on November 15 & 16 at 7:00pm the Eccles Blackbox Theater. The evening will open with an optional pre-reception “Talk Forward” with the composer and choreographer. In this reception, Brown and Hansen will speak about the process of creating Xiré and give insight into the show’s rhythms and dances, exploring their meaning and significance inside the rich traditions that inspire this concert.

Tickets to Xiré are $20 for general public and $18 for students. Tickets are available online at https://artsaltlake.org/production/xire/, at all ArtTix locations, or by calling 801-355-ARTS. This event is recommended for ages 8 . No babes in arms. Content is suitable for all ages.

For more information, please visit http://sambafogo.com/xire/