Esta, an international ensemble from Israel, is coming to Menomonie, Wisconsin for a one week residency at the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts. The residency is part of Arts Midwest World Fest a community-wide cultural exchange program that uses music and community interaction to foster appreciation for diversity and a greater understanding of other cultures. Esta’s residency at local schools and universities will culminate with a public performance at the Mabel Tainter on Friday, April 24th at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $18.00 for adult, $16.00 for senior/student, and $6.00 for children. To purchase tickets call the Mabel Tainter Box Office at (715) 235-0001 or online at www.mabeltainter.com
Esta is a multi-ethnic group with a unique blend of traditional and original music and innovative sound that draws on the diverse cultures of Israel. All of Esta’s members are first generation in Israel with their parents having immigrated from Bulgaria, Iraq, Poland, Iran, Romania, Russia and Turkey. Such powerful and diverse musical traditions have deeply influenced Esta’s sound resulting in a musical “stew” simmering with Middle Eastern, Balkan, Mediterranean, Jewish, Celtic, African influences and that is also inspired by rock and jazz. Esta has performed widely throughout the world in venues such as New York’s Blue Note, Los Angeles’ House of Blues and even the White House in 1998.
“The caliber of talent Esta brings to the Mabel Tainter is of the highest level,” says Gary Schuster, Mabel Tainter executive director. “These expressive, powerful performers offer a splendid mix of Middle Eastern musical styles.”
According to Schuster, the Mabel Tainter typically does not have the resources to draw and host international talent, like Esta. However, Arts Midwest, a regional arts agency, offsets the cost and handles the coordination of Arts Midwest World Fest tour in order to offer communities throughout the Midwest this rich international arts experience. Menomonie was selected as one of eleven Midwest cities to host the 2007-2009 Arts Midwest World Fest.
“Our goal is to make lasting impressions on the communities that host Arts Midwest World Fest,” says David Fraher, Executive Director of Arts Midwest. “Therefore, our musicians do not simply perform one evening and leave. Our ensembles conduct week-long residencies, where they perform at schools and at community venues. They conduct many workshops about their culture and music. To support the learning experiences for children, Arts Midwest created comprehensive curriculum materials for various grade levels.”
Esta’s visit marks the end of this two year Arts Midwest World Fest partnership with the Mabel Tainter. Previous ensemble visits included Los Utrera of Veracruz, Mexico, An Da Union of Inner Mongolia in China, and Mauvais Sort from the province of Québec in Canada.
