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Monarch Duo with Timba Harris & Hadi Karima Asil

Monarch Duo makes new the music of the old world. Composed in classical tones and textures, their original songs breathe fresh life into the gypsy and klezmer traditions.

A collaboration between musicians Eli Rosenblatt and Cameron Peace, the two nylon string guitarists have been shaping their music for nearly three years as the Monarch Duo. They have stayed active performers since the groups inception and released a self titled album in 2009.

Their compositions represent the mosaic of sounds that have brought them joy and inspiration throughout life. A largely self-taught guitarists and vocalist, Eli blends the songs of his Ashkenazi heritage with his knowledge of Latin America music and his study of classical guitar. Cameron graduated with a degree in classical guitar and performs in groups ranging from folk and salsa to jazz and hip-hop. The group is currently writing and performing pieces for the next record.

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Timba Harris & Hadi Karima Asil met shortly after Asil's arrival in the United States, and hit it off instantly as musical friends.

Hadi Karimi Asil grew up in Iran and came to the United States as an adult in 2010. At age 10, Hadi began studying the Tar, a Persian fretted-stringed instrument that has an animal hide stretched over the body for resonance, much like a banjo, and sounds somewhat like the Indian sitar.

Timba Harris is a Seattle-based violinist and composer. He spends his time performing and recording both at home and internationally with avant-rock groups Secret Chiefs 3 and Master Musicians of Bukkake, as well as acoustic chamber groups including the Gyan Riley Trio and a duo with Seattle's own Eli Rosenblatt.

Limited experience with each others' traditions has resulted in a special opportunity to share with each other unfamiliar musical playgrounds and new ideas. They would like to share with you the resulting dialogue, which includes improvisations based on the crossroads of their musical backgrounds, as well as the centerpiece of their performance, a traditional Persian music composition in the chahar gaah style.