Dr. Farima Berenji and Qais Essar will perform and discuss dance and music from the cultures along the ancient Silk Road, in connection with Eastern Arts' exhibit in Special Collections, Level 4.
Dr. Farima Berenji is an award winning, internationally acclaimed dance artist, ethnologist, choreographer, instructor, and archaeologist specializing in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances spanning the millenniums of Persian civilization, the Silk Road, and the Near East. Qais Essar is an Afghan-American musician based in Phoenix, Arizona. A rabab player and songwriter, he is noted for the song "The Crown Sleeps" from the 2017 animated film The Breadwinner, which won the Best Original Song prize at the 6th Canadian Screen Awards in 2018. These experts will perform and discuss the dance and musical traditions from cultures along the ancient Silk Road. This event draws connections with the musical instruments and textiles from the vast collections of Eastern Arts on display in the Special Collections Reading Room on Level 4 that celebrate the diverse cultures of the historic Silk Road.
AGE GROUP: | Tweens | Teens | Seniors | Family | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Performances & Presentations | Music | Cultures & Diversity | Arts & Creativity |
NOTE: The Main Library's Rooftop Terrace is closed for renovations.
Salt Lake City's Main Library, designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie in conjunction with VCBO Architecture, opened in February 2003 and remains one of the most architecturally unique structures in Utah. This striking 240,000 square-foot structure houses more than 500,000 books and other materials, yet serves as more than just a repository of books and computers. It reflects and engages the city's imagination and aspirations. The structure embraces a public plaza, with shops and services at ground level, reading galleries above, and a 300-seat auditorium.
A multi-level reading area along the Glass Lens at the southern facade of the building looks out onto the plaza with stunning views of the city and Wasatch Mountains beyond. Spiraling fireplaces on four floors resemble a column of flame from the vantage of 200 East and 400 South. The Urban Room between the Library and the Crescent Wall is a space for all seasons, generously endowed with daylight and open to magnificent views.
