Ilham

“Ilham” is Arabic for “inspiration,” and this collaborative trio relies on the inspiration of the moment and the interplay of three different traditions to create new music with deep roots. Syrian-born vocalist Gaida Hinnawi is featured, weaving her acrobatic, highly emotional singing with the cello of Canadian Rufus Cappadoccia, and the trumpet and santur (Persian hammered dulcimer) of Iraqi-American Amir ElSaffar. Ilham performs in the WNYC Studio and discusses their influences and backgrounds with host David Garland. This show first aired on March 30, 2008.

View photos from the session

Gaida at MySpace

Rufus Cappadocia

Amir ElSaffar

David Garland's Ear to Ear interview with Amir ElSaffar