Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Inspired by the opulent world of 18th-century Saxon and Syrian coffee houses, Tales of Two Cities: The Leipzig-Damascus Coffee House explores the relationships between 18th-century Leipzig and Damascus, and features baroque music by Bach, Telemann, and Handel, as well as treasures of classical Arabic music.
It’s 1740, and coffee houses are the places to listen to music and share stories, in both the famous trading centre of Leipzig and one of the oldest cities in the world, Damascus. Experience the visual splendour, music, and contemporary tales of these historic locations, with music by J.S. Bach, Handel, and Telemann.
Performed entirely from memory by Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, and featuring ensemble Trio Arabica—Maryem Tollar, voice and qanun; Demetri Petsalakis, oud; and Naghmeh Farahmand, percussion.
Described as an “enterprising concept … [that] blends elements that are entertaining, educational, musically rewarding” (Huffington Post Canada), Tales of Two Cities received rapturous critical acclaim at its May 2016 Toronto premiere and was named Best Concert of 2016 by the Spanish classical music magazine Codalario.com.
Georg Philipp Telemann
Ouverture in D Major, TWV 55:D18 (arranged by Tafelmusik)
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra on period instruments
Directed by Jeanne Lamon
Conceived, Programmed & Scripted by
Alison Mackay
Trio Arabica
Maryem Tollar, voice and qanun
Demetri Petsalakis, oud
Naghmeh Farahmand, percussion
Narrated by Alon Nashman
Interested in bringing this concert to your city? Visit tafelmusik.org/touring-programs for more information.
Visit us online:
Website: tafelmusik.org
Facebook: facebook.com/tafelmusik
Twitter: twitter.com/Tafelmusik
Instagram: instagram.com/tafelmusikbocc
Spotify: tafelmusik.org/spotify
Email newsletter: tafelmusik.org/newsletter
Make a donation: tafelmusik.org/support-us
A production of ©Tafelmusik Media 2017
Consultant: Ranlin Consulting, Canada
Cover design: Mark Hand
Cover photography: Bruce Zinger
All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or duplication is a violation of applicable laws.
© and ℗ Tafelmusik Media
Made in Canada
tafelmusik.org
TMK1035DVDCD
#tafelmusik #baroquemusic #arabicmusic
Inspired by the opulent world of 18th-century Saxon and Syrian coffee houses, Tales of Two Cities: The Leipzig-Damascus Coffee House explores the relationships between 18th-century Leipzig and Damascus, and features baroque music by Bach, Telemann, and Handel, as well as treasures of classical Arabic music.
It’s 1740, and coffee houses are the places to listen to music and share stories, in both the famous trading centre of Leipzig and one of the oldest cities in the world, Damascus. Experience the visual splendour, music, and contemporary tales of these historic locations, with music by J.S. Bach, Handel, and Telemann.
Performed entirely from memory by Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, and featuring ensemble Trio Arabica—Maryem Tollar, voice and qanun; Demetri Petsalakis, oud; and Naghmeh Farahmand, percussion.
Described as an “enterprising concept … [that] blends elements that are entertaining, educational, musically rewarding” (Huffington Post Canada), Tales of Two Cities received rapturous critical acclaim at its May 2016 Toronto premiere and was named Best Concert of 2016 by the Spanish classical music magazine Codalario.com.
Georg Philipp Telemann
Ouverture in D Major, TWV 55:D18 (arranged by Tafelmusik)
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra on period instruments
Directed by Jeanne Lamon
Conceived, Programmed & Scripted by
Alison Mackay
Trio Arabica
Maryem Tollar, voice and qanun
Demetri Petsalakis, oud
Naghmeh Farahmand, percussion
Narrated by Alon Nashman
Interested in bringing this concert to your city? Visit tafelmusik.org/touring-programs for more information.
Visit us online:
Website: tafelmusik.org
Facebook: facebook.com/tafelmusik
Twitter: twitter.com/Tafelmusik
Instagram: instagram.com/tafelmusikbocc
Spotify: tafelmusik.org/spotify
Email newsletter: tafelmusik.org/newsletter
Make a donation: tafelmusik.org/support-us
A production of ©Tafelmusik Media 2017
Consultant: Ranlin Consulting, Canada
Cover design: Mark Hand
Cover photography: Bruce Zinger
All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or duplication is a violation of applicable laws.
© and ℗ Tafelmusik Media
Made in Canada
tafelmusik.org
TMK1035DVDCD
#tafelmusik #baroquemusic #arabicmusic
