BARNARD—Egyptian musician and educator Karim Nagi will visit schools across the Upper Valley during the week of Nov. 17-23 as part of BarnArts’ fall global music residency. The program culminates in a public performance on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. at North Chapel UU in Woodstock.
Nagi’s weeklong residency includes performances and workshops at Braintree Elementary, Barnard Academy, Maple Avenue Elementary, Hartford Memorial Middle School, Woodstock Elementary, Randolph Union High School, Prosper Valley School, and the Hanover Ray School. These workshops focus on Arab musical instruments, folk dancing, and traditions, which provide an engaging way for students to explore diverse cultures. Students who participate in the workshops receive complimentary tickets to Saturday’s public performance.
A lifelong advocate for diversity in education, Nagi has worked with over 500 schools across the United States. His efforts aim to break down harmful stereotypes through the joyous and welcoming nature of Arab music and dance. Nagi’s extensive musical career includes 14 albums spanning traditional Arab music to electronica. He has also presented a TEDx talk showcasing tambourines as instruments of diplomacy.
The BarnArts Global Music Residency, launched in April 2022, has recently welcomed seven international artists. This program brings world-class performers to K-12 schools in Vermont and New Hampshire for workshops and performances, reaching over 1,500 students each season. Nagi’s residency is supported by a Canadian Family Charitable Trust grant, which aims to expand the program’s duration, content, and accessibility. Additionally, the Woodstock Economic Development Commission (EDC) funded Nagi’s visit to Woodstock, which included workshops and a public performance.
For more information and tickets, visit barnarts.org.
