Dr. A. J. Racy: Near-Eastern Musical Instruments and the Stories They Tell

Award-winning composer, instrumentalist, writer, and instructor, Dr. A. J. Racy has delighted audiences around the world with his artistry and expertise.

Dr. Racy is a master of several traditional Middle Eastern instruments, including the nay, reed-flute, and the buzuq (a long-necked fretted lute).

Dr. Racy has applied his musical and academic talents to the field of ethnomusicology as a professor at the University of California. In 2011, he was awarded the Society for Ethnomusicology Stevenson Prize as a distinguished composer-ethnomusicologist. A number of well-received CD releases and collaborations with other celebrated artists have led to international admiration for Dr. Racy’s musicianship and work toward greater intercultural understanding.

In this special lecture-performance, Dr. Racy will demonstrate intricate playing techniques as he enlightens guests with interesting facts about the instruments he plays.