Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) opens its 2019-2020 World Tour of Music weeklong residency from October 21-26, 2019, with Shashmaqam, a New York-based ensemble recognized in their native Uzbekistan and Tadzhikistan for their extraordinary musical talent. Their music reflects Central Asia’s ethnic eclecticism: Uzbek, Tadjik, Afghan and Azerbaijani songs and melodies are brought together in a lively program that is at once exotic and accessible to Western listeners.

The ensemble will be conducting school outreach programs at Black River, Cloverleaf, Medina and Highland School Districts during the week. There will be four opportunities to experience Shashmaqam in a more intimate workshop setting. The first is Tuesday, October 22 at The Wooster Public Library at 7 pm.  Next is Wednesday, October 23 at the Medina Library at 7 pm. The Western Reserve Masonic Community on Nettleton Road in Medina will host the third workshop on Thursday, October 24 at 10 am. The last workshop is at Brunswick Library the same day at 7 pm. The workshops are free and open to the public.

The big concert for the community/region takes place at Highland High School Auditorium, 4150 Ridge Road, Medina, on October 26, 2019, at 8 pm. Advanced tickets are $12. Book online or by calling 330-722-2541. Tickets are also available at Medina and Wadsworth Buehler’s stores starting September 23, 2019. Tickets are $15 at the door, cash or check only.