SARAY Iluminado at fortyfivedownstairs

Members of SARAY Iluminado play new interpretations of Sevdah (traditional folk music) from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Jewish Sephardic music from the Balkans. Formed in 2013, SARAY Iluminado has quickly become one of Melbourne’s most dynamic world music ensembles, performing at festivals and venues including the Caravan Club, Cygnet Folk Festival, the Melbourne Sephardic Synagogue and the Bosnian Embassy in Canberra. SARAY Iluminado turns 5 in 2018 and returns to fortyfivedownstairs, welcoming two new musicians Dan Witton and Irine Vela, who join the founding members Nela Trifkovic, Ernie Gruner and Kelly Dowall. ‘Despite all the whimsical notions that are present here, we go deeper; the importance of culture is not lost. Saray Iluminado stands testament to these stories and lessons for those who have come before, and those still yet to come.’ Jessi Lewis, The Melbourne Critique Join these musicians for an intimate and theatrical concert that delves deeply into the subtleties of the Balkan soul, sharing songs of love, grief, hope and despair.