The Shavarsh Trio: Music & Instruments of the Middle East

The Shavarsh Trio – Eric LaPerna, Jeremey Zela and Leo LaZarate – perform a captivating blend of folk, art, and classical music from Armenian, Greek, Turkish, and Arabic traditions, using an array of traditional string, wind, and percussion instruments from the Middle East.

Eric LaPerna plays multiple instruments, specializing in Middle Eastern hand drums and stringed instruments. He has been a performing musician for over 30 years. He has performed with many of Maine’s most celebrated artists and ensembles, including the DaPonte String Quartet and the late Udi Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian, as well as world renowned musicians, Ross Daly and Mal Barsamian. Eric is a Bates College faculty member and the director of the Maine Middle Eastern Orchestra and the Portland Conservatory of Music Middle Eastern Ensemble, and is a founding member of Okbari and Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble. He also has a busy performance schedule, teaches Middle Eastern percussion workshops, private lessons, and has been featured on over 30 albums. Eric will be accompanied by his son, Leo LaZarate and Jeremey Zela.