Eric LaPerna is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in Middle Eastern hand drums, stringed instruments, and the nay (reed flute), and has been a performing musician for over 35 years. He has performed with many of Maine's most celebrated artists and ensembles, including the DaPonte String Quartet and the late Udi Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian, as well as world renowned musicians, Ross Daly and Mal Barsamian. Eric directed the Bowdoin Middle Eastern Ensemble for 18 years, and is a Bates College faculty member and the founder and artistic director of the Maine Middle Eastern Orchestra and the Portland Conservatory of Music Middle Eastern Ensemble. In addition to maintaining an active performance schedule, he collaborates with many ensembles, such as the Seyir Duo, Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble, Choro Louco, Time Zones, Casco Bay Tummlers, and Bedlam and Eunoia, and his playing appears on more than 30 recorded albums.

 

Musical Education

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Udi Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian - Study of Turkish, Greek and Armenian rhythmic systems and musical forms.

 

Arabic Music Retreat - Study of Classical Arabic music.

 

Michel Merhej Baklouk -  Study of Classical Arabic percussion.

 

Ali Jihad Racy - Study of the Arabic nay (reed flute).

 

Bassam Saba - Study of the Arabic nay, Arabic melodic modes (maqam'at) and the art of improvisation (taqsim).

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Alani Ogunlade - Study of West African rhythms and drum techniques.

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Skip Burney - Study of Afro Cuban rhythms and drum techniques.

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Current Ensembles

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Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble - Artistic director and oud player.

 

Okbari Middle Eastern Ensemble - Founding member and percussionist.

 

Maine Middle Eastern Orchestra - Founder, director and percussionist.

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Portland Conservatory of Music Middle Eastern Ensemble - Founder, director, oud and saz player.

 

Bowdoin Middle Eastern Ensemble - Director and oud player.

 

Shavarsh Trio - Artistic director, oud and lavta player.

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Maine Kef Ensemble - Artistic director and oud player.

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Seyir Duo - Lavta, nay, saz player and percussionist.

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Middle Eastern String Trio - Artistic director, lavta player.

 

Choro Louco - Percussionist.

 

Casco Bay Tummlers - Percussionist.

 

Bedlam and Eunioa - Percussionist

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Time Zones - Percussionist.

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Evros - Founding member and oud player.