Groupmuse: Mystical Sufi Vocal Soundscapes in Harlem

• Umer Piracha (Falsa), voice

This 45-minute program features a blend of traditional Sufi music and contemporary sound healing practices. Umer Piracha, a renowned Sufi vocalist, will guide the audience through a transformative journey with pieces such as Asan Monhoun, Kirpa Karo, Chaap Tilak, and Aaj Rang. These songs, deeply rooted in the 14th-century Sufi tradition, are reinterpreted to create an immersive experience that promotes meditation and inner peace. Each piece is chosen for its ability to evoke a sense of longing and connection to the sacred, resonating with Umer's own spiritual journey and artistic vision.

The music performed is rooted in the rich tradition of Sufi mysticism, which dates back to the 14th Century. Sufi music, known for its deep spiritual and emotional expressions, has been a source of solace and community for centuries. This performance blends ancient Sufi vocal techniques with modern sound healing practices, creating a bridge between the past and the present. By reinterpreting these timeless pieces, Umer Piracha continues the legacy of Sufi musicians who have used their art to explore the mysteries of the human soul and the divine.

Note from the host: "I'm thrilled to host the renowned Sufi vocalist Umer Piracha for an evening of traditional Sufi music (dating back to 14th Century), with contemporary influences.

"Doors open at 7pm, with the music starting around 7:30pm. I will serve light refreshments.

"Looking forward to sharing an exquisite musical experience with you all!"

Residence is wheelchair accessible. Kid-friendly event. Non-alcoholic drinks provided.

Exact address sent to approved attendees via email.

About Groupmuse

Groupmuse is a worker- and musician-owned cooperative seeking to uplift artists and strengthen broader community bonds through live, intimate performances of historically-rooted music.

About Umer Piracha (Falsa), voice

Raised in the Sufi city of Multan, Pakistan, Umer Piracha was classically trained in voice from the age of four. Today, based in New York City, his contemporary arrangements of 14th-century Sufi music captivate audiences from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to NPR broadcasts. Collaborating with a diverse range of improvisational musicians, Umer transcends cultural boundaries and genre norms to craft performances that invite meditation, conversation, and transcendence.

Performing under the moniker "Falsa," he crafts musical experiences that span the spectrum from minimalist meditative to raga jazz fusion, and from high-energy world improvisation to more immersive, ritual-communitas oriented performances with dancers and stunning visuals. At its core, Falsa seeks to normalize the transcendent experience inherent in music.