Miami Dade College’s MDC Live Arts, Miami’s most eclectic performing arts series, closes its 2017-18 season with a gala event: Layali al-Andalus at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at the Olympia Theater, featuring the National Arab Orchestra and special guests.

The Ojalá/ Inshallah season was named for the Spanish word for “I wish” and the Arabic phrase for “God willing” as a reminder of the Moorish impact on the Spanish language and Hispanic identity shared by so many greater Miami residents. This final performance, Layali al-Andalus, or “Andalusian Nights,” embodies the Arab-Hispanic connection, conjuring the oft romanticized historical place and time of cultural co-existence and exchange in an enchanting evening of Arab Classical music, flamenco and more.
Dedicated to performing and preserving the classical and contemporary traditions of Arab music, the 24-member National Arab Orchestra features violins and cellos alongside traditional instruments such as oud, qanun (zither), nay (reed flute) and a percussion section including riqq (Arab tambourine). The ensemble will be joined by esteemed Flamenco guitarist Jose Luis de la Paz, Flamenco dancer Niurca Marquez, and Flamenco singer Alejandro El Gambimbas (direct from Spain!); Arabic singers Marian Layousse, Abdallah Moussa, and Sephardic singer Susana Behar.
A pre-concert reception will celebrate the season, offering complimentary Mediterranean hors d’oeuvres and refreshments for all concert goers.

TICKETS: $65, $48, $35