LiveConnections Brings Unlikely Musical Pairings to World Cafe Live

Members of Flutronix.

These aren’t your typical collaborations: Flutes meet electronica-trombone. Jazz piano meets classical saxophone quartet. Western classical music meets traditional Arab stylings. Yet, that’s exactly what concert goers can expect at the innovative LiveConnections series at World Cafe Live throughout the spring, which creates synergy between Philadelphia-area musicians and other talent that would normally be unlikely bedfellows.

“At LiveConnections, we talk about music as a universal language that builds community,” says Melinda Steffy, executive director of the project. “With these three concerts, not only is the music itself boundary-crossing, but the artists will be able to connect with audiences who might not otherwise hear the music.”

The spring series kicks off with Flutronix and Ryan Matthews on March 20th. Flutronix is a pair of young flutists who infuse hip-hop and soulful vocals into their music; Ryan Matthews is a Philadelphia-based Curtis graduate who has played with a host of national and international orchestras.

Uri Caine and PRISM Quartet take the stage next on April 16th. Caine is a Philly-born jazz composer and pianist who has had commissions both in the United States and internationally; PRISM Quartet, a group of saxophonists, is an award-winning ensemble that has been featured both locally at Curtis and internationally as far away as China and Latin America.

The season ends with a collaboration between Jason Vieaux and the Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble on May 7th. Vieaux is arguably one of the world’s foremost classical guitarists, and winner of a 2015 Grammy Award for is work; the Philadelphia-based Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble aims to teach Arab culture through arts and language.

For tickets and more information, check out the LiveConnections website.