WILMINGTON — Wilmington is the only city in Ohio to be invited to participate in the current cycle of Arts Midwest World Fest, which is a program of the Minneapolis-based Arts Midwest, one of six regional arts organizations in the United States.
Through World Fest, the Israeli world music ensemble Baladino will spend April 3-9 in Wilmington to share its unique culture and music through workshops in schools, in community locations, and through a public concert at the Murphy Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9. The idea behind the program is to give Midwestern communities, especially smaller and mid-size communities, an opportunity to hear music, language, and culture that doesn’t come through often (if at all).
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been selected as a 2015-17 Arts Midwest World Fest partner community,” says Maretta Alden, executive director of the Murphy Theatre. “Our community has a rich cultural life already, but we can’t often arrange to bring in international ensembles of the caliber this program affords, nor do we often have opportunities for week-long residencies.
“Many of us can’t afford to travel worldwide, and this program will bring an international experience to our doorstep. I think it’s going to be fun on so many levels. And program sponsors like the National Endowment for the Arts and 3M cover all but local expenses, so we’re getting a rich experience we can afford.”
Wilmington residents will be able to journey through the music of the Mediterranean with Baladino, hear centuries-old melodies, and revel in sounds carried to Israel from Spain, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Arabic countries. The ensemble members blend these far-ranging musical influences with authenticity and conviction possible only by those who have grown up in the cultural melting pot that is Israel.
While in Ohio, Baladino will play for students at Denver Place and East End elementary schools, in Dayton at Wright Brothers School, for local homeschool families, at Southern State Community College in Hillsboro, at Cape May and at the Wilmington Public Library.
General admission to the Baladino show at 7:30 p.m. April 9 at the Murphy Theatre is $10 for adults, $5 for students; children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at the door that evening, not sold online.
The 2015-17 Arts Midwest World Fest cycle is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, 3M Foundation, and Anime Twin Cities, with additional support provided by the Consulate General of Israel for Baladino.
The event is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, and Arts Midwest is also supported by the Ohio Arts Council, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Indiana Arts Commission, Iowa Arts Council, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Minnesota State Arts Board, North Dakota Council on the Arts, South Dakota Arts Council, and Wisconsin Arts Board.
