Talat Halman’s interest in ethnic music began when he traveled to Turkey at the age of 16.

He was drawn in by the distract instruments he heard.

“I was completely blown away – by the Saz, in particular,” the philosophy and religion professor said.

Halman will play the Saz in an ethnic concert called “Awe and Wonder: Sacred Music from Two Worlds” at 7:30 p.m. today in Bovee University Center Auditorium.

He will play the seven-string, long-necked instrument alongside Iron Mountain senior Chris Freeman, who will play the Sitar, a long-stringed instrument common in Hindu culture. A bass, violin and percussion ensemble will join the two as well.

The Philosophy and Religion Department is sponsoring the free show.

Music has played a large role in Freeman’s life, as he has produced six CDs of his own original scores and appeared live at several venues, most recently Friday at Rubbles Bar, 112 W. Michigan St.

“I toured full time with a rock band for a while, and started visiting a monastery which really impacted me,” said Freeman, a religion major. “I discovered the creative, constructive ways of explaining life’s journeys with music, and it led to my recent CD called ‘City of God.’”

Freeman describes his musical style as “fusion,” with rock and electronic elements that reflect traditional and Middle Eastern cultures.

The show’s second half will focus on black culture.

Guy Newland, chair of the philosophy and religion department, said Odette Cole, a sociology professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, will perform “The Negro Spirituals,” with narrations by faculty member Donald Mathews.

The night initially included a vocal performance from CMU alumnus and former American Football League player Curtis McClinton, but scheduling conflicts prevented his appearance.

The variety of performances offer attendees a musical experience never before offered in Mount Pleasant, Halman said.

“It’s going to be an hour and a half of total cultural immersion,” he said. “You can’t get more exposure in so little time. It’s multiculturalism at its best.”

news@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: defaultuser