Beethoven and Banjos presents Icelandic Music

Beethoven and Banjos Music Festival is welcoming two extraordinary Malagasy musicians to the Upper Peninsula: Mikahely Razafy and David Rajaonary (Rade). Together with Laurel Premo and Evan Premo, they will create a program that brings these musical worlds together — Mikahely on valiha, guitar and voice, Rade on bass, Laurel on banjo and fiddle, and Evan on double bass. Mikahely’s music is deeply rooted in Madagascar. He sings primarily in Malagasy and plays the valiha, a traditional Malagasy instrument made from bamboo, with strings running around the outside of the cylindrical body — almost like a harp wrapped around a piece of bamboo. It's sound is shimmering and beautiful, and the rhythms in Mikahely’s music are absolutely infectious. Mikahely is a wonderful communicator about Malagasy spirituality, nature, and our relationship with the living world. Detailed information about the musicians can be found at: https://www.northwoodsmusiccollaborative.org/beethoven-and-banjos