Presented in partnership with Clarion Concerts, this gathering serves as a precursor to his performance with the Amir ElSaffar New Quartet at The Stissing Center on Sunday, March 8th at 3pm. Purchase tickets here.

In this intimate and conversational setting, ElSaffar will reflect on his groundbreaking work bridging jazz with the microtonal Maqam traditions of Iraq and the Middle East, sharing insights into his creative process, musical influences, and the cultural dialogue at the heart of his compositions. Throughout the talk, he will also perform select musical passages, offering a live glimpse into the sounds and ideas that shape his work.