Newton Cultural Development introduces ‘Parlor Performances’ showcasing music from local musicians over 6 weeks from January 27 – March 3. Each performance in the series will be streamed on Wednesdays, 7:30 – 8:30pm EST on Newton Cultural Development’s Facebook.

Yoni Battat is a multi-instrumentalist (viola, violin, oud), vocalist, and composer, specializing in contemporary and traditional Jewish music from Eastern Europe and the Middle East.  A resident of Newton, Yoni is a classically trained violist, with a bachelor’s from Brandeis University and master’s from Boston University. He has appeared with several orchestras and chamber ensembles, such as the New Haven Symphony, Boston Philharmonic, Juventas Ensemble, ALEA III, and VSNY. At the heart of Yoni’s musical identity lies a deep investment in world music and improvisation. His Ashkenazi jazz band, Two Shekel Swing, has toured and performed extensively, presenting reimagined classics alongside original Yiddish and Klezmer compositions. Yoni has also studied Arabic repertoire and traditional Middle Eastern modes extensively, including the music and liturgical pieces from Middle Eastern Jews. He has performed this music extensively with a variety of ensembles and artists in Israel and the U.S., including Yair Dalal, Shai Tsabari and Avihu Medina. Yoni combines these diverse influences into all of his music making, allowing listeners to indulge in the oneness of past and future, and experience the heart-connection and deep spirituality of sharing a musical moment together. www.yonibattat.com