Cellist Laura Melnicoff will perform Scalerica d’oro, for cello and middle Eastern percussion. Scalerica d’oro was commissioned by the Shearith Israel League, for premiere by cellist Regina Mushaba at the historic Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue of the City of New York. Scalerica d’oro combines Middle Eastern percussion patterns, based on Arabic rhythmic modes with melodies and gestures of the Jewish Mediterranean. They interact and exuberantly engage to create an exhilarating vision of hope, joy and reconciliation. The final rousing song quoted in the work refers to “Abram Avino,” Abraham, the father of both Arabs and Jews.