Echoes of the 80s: A Musical Journey
January 12, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
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Date: Sunday, January 12
Time: 1:00 pm
Ticket: Free, registration required
Location: Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St. W.)
Get ready for a captivating musical journey! Labyrinth Ensemble musicians Araz Salek, Roa Lee, and Sasan Salaseli are coming together as an ’80s-inspired trio to celebrate the Bata Shoe Museum’s Dressed to Impress exhibition. Experience a fresh perspective on the iconic decade, blending contemporary compositions with the innovative spirit of the Labyrinth Musical Workshop, founded by Ross Daly in 1982. Don’t miss this unique fusion of fashion and music that redefines the ’80s! Limited seats available.
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Araz Salek, a Persian tar (lute) player from Tehran, began his training at eight under master musicians Hooshang Zarif, Arshad Tahmasebi, and Hossein Omoumi. He has taught extensively in Iran and Canada, including at the University of Tehran, Shawrak Music School, and the Labyrinth Musical Workshop. As Artistic Director of Labyrinth Ontario, which he co-founded in 2017, he promotes modal music traditions. Araz leads the Shiraz Ensemble, plays with Persamenco, and experiments across genres, with highlights including his solo album Birth and the Toronto/Crete quartet “This Tale of Ours.”
Sasan Salaseli, an Iranian Tonbak and Daf player, has been performing since 1985 and teaching for over 20 years. A student of Jahangir Malek, Bijan Kamkar, and Bahman Rajabi, he toured Scandinavia with the Sarayan Group and founded Iran’s first percussion school, Abidar, in 2007. Sasan is known for innovative rhythm pedagogy, combining poetry and group workshops to teach children.
Roa Lee, a Korean Gayageum musician, blends traditional Korean music with global influences through performance, composition, and collaboration. Now based in Toronto, she has partnered with organizations like the Aga Khan Museum and Small World Music, exploring fusion and new music while sharing the versatility of her instrument with diverse audiences.