Old Town concert venue plans programs honoring Afghanistan and Ukraine

Fresh off an approval to expand their music venue, the concert series at Classical Movements (711 Princess Street) is planning to highlight the music of two countries in crisis.

One of the two concerts will feature music from Afghanistan, featuring a performance from a recently arrived refugee. The other will feature musicians from the National Symphony and the Washington National Opera/Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra in a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders’ work in Ukraine, according to a release from Classical Movements.

On March 10, “Flamenco Guitar Meets Tabla” will have Afghan tabla-player Hamid Raouf Habib Zada — who escaped Afghanistan with his family in August 2021 — performing alongside flamenco guitarist and vocalist Wadih Ettabbakh.

There are two programs scheduled, one at 7 and one at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available online.

“In the United States, he has been able to pursue his career as a performer on the tabla, the hand drums popular in India and throughout South Asia,” the release said. “Habib Zada’s own Hindustani classical musical tradition will intersect with Wadih Ettabbakh’s own fusion of flamenco and Moroccan styles, a musical journey from Spain to Afghanistan, from Morocco to India – complemented by a glass of Spanish wine.”

The second program is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, and will be a “Concert for Ukraine.”

“In response to the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, Classical Movements dedicates its 100th concert, the Spring Season Opening Concert on Tuesday, March 22, in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, featuring musicians from the National Symphony and the Washington National Opera/Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra,” the release said.

The program will feature Ukrainian musicians performing classical songs from Ukrainian composers.

“A portion of proceeds from ticket sales and the entirety of additional donations will be donated to ‘Doctors Without Borders’ in support of their relief efforts in Ukraine,” the release said.

There are two showings scheduled, one for 5 p.m. and one for 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available online.