Taoufik Ben Amor

The Nakashima Foundation For Peace will hold its 2025 peace concert, “Many Paths to the Divine — Devotional Music from the Indian and Arab Traditions: A Concert of Mystical Sounds and Shared Devotion” on Sunday, April 27 from 2-5 p.m., featuring musicians Gaurav Shah and Taoufik Ben Amor, in the Nakashima Arts Building, 1847 Aquetong Road, New Hope, Pa.

This concert supports the mission of the Nakashima Foundation for Peace, to build Sacred Peace Tables for each continent, and to preserve both the legacy of George Nakashima, a leading innovator of 20th century furniture design, and the National Historic Landmark designated Nakashima Property for future generations.

The performance will explore meeting points where different languages, spiritual and mystical traditions use the same metaphors of love and intoxication. Shah and Amor have been making music together for more than two decades. This artistic collaboration, a contemporary manifestation of harmony between musical and spiritual traditions from centuries past, serves as a role-model for world peace in the future.

Ben Amor (vocals, Oud, Daf, Bendir) is an active composer, musician, music producer, and luthier. He is currently a professor of Arabic Studies at Columbia University and director of Columbia Arab Music Ensemble. He performs internationally and has worked on several music projects, including pieces for the Tate Gallery and Museum of Modern Art, as well as scores for films and plays.

Shah (vocals, Harmonium, Bansuri) is an Indian classically-trained singer and musician who studied with Sarangi/vocal maestro Ustad Sultan Khan. He has toured extensively and received Grammy nominations in 2019 (Falu’s Bazaar) and 2024 (Abundance in Millets), and a 2022 Grammy win (A Colorful World). As a physician, he serves as CEO of Rocket Pharma, and has appeared in numerous media outlets in music and business.

Light refreshments will be provided. Tickets are $150 per person and $75 for students. Visit nakashimafoundation.org. Sponsorships are available at the $500, $1,000, and $2,500 levels.  For more information contact Katherine Kish at Mekish@aol.com.