May 4th, 2025
Residencies and Concerts Aim to Foster Culture Exchange in Small Communities
Fairmont — Arts Midwest is bringing the Arabian flamenco jazz of Farah Siraj to Fairmont as part of Arts Midwest World Fest. During a weeklong residency in Fairmont, Farah Siraj will offer workshops in local schools and other community locations. She will perform live in concert at The Red Rock Center for the Arts on Friday, May 9th at 7:00 PM.
Named Jordan’s Musical Ambassadress, Farah Siraj balances a career that spans the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, having performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the United Nations, Nobel Prize Hall, World Economic Forum, and Lincoln Center. As a humanitarian, Farah focuses on raising awareness about the consequences of war and violence and advocates for women’s rights, refugee rights, and animal rights.
Farah Siraj’s visit to Fairmont is made possible by a partnership between Arts Midwest, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Minnesota State Arts Board, Visit Fairmont, and The Fairmont Opera House. The partnership has brought two other ensembles, LADAMA and A Moving Sound, to spend a week working in Fairmont over the last year.
According to Blake Potthoff, Fairmont Opera House Executive Director, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Farah Siraj to our community as part of the Arts Midwest World Fest. Her music is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but it also carries a powerful message of unity and cultural connection. Having an artist of her caliber here in Fairmont is a true gift, and I can’t wait for our community to experience the inspiration she brings.”
Katie Ortman, program manager at Arts Midwest, shares, “World Fest’s weeklong residencies offer a unique opportunity for communities and ensembles to share and connect on a deep level. Arts Midwest is excited to continue working with our community partners and with these ensembles to create meaningful moments in the Midwest.”
“I am looking forward to my upcoming tour and excited to share my music, culture, and heritage,” says Farah Siraj. “I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity and excited to meet everyone. I am sure it will be an unforgettable experience!”
Download full-resolution images and watch videos:
https://artsmidwest.org/artist/farah-siraj/
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About Arts Midwest
Arts Midwest supports, informs, and celebrates creativity in the Midwest. We build community and opportunity across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, Arts Midwest works to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Learn more at artsmidwest.org.
About Arts Midwest World Fest
Since 2003, Arts Midwest World Fest has been offering small Midwest communities once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to learn about the world from musicians inside and outside the US.
The 2024-2025 World Fest artist tours, a program of Arts Midwest, are generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Minnesota State Arts Board, 3M, and individual donors and partners.
About The Fairmont Opera House
Since 1901, The Fairmont Opera House has been the cultural cornerstone of the Fairmont area and surrounding communities, providing a stage for a diverse array of performances and events. The historic facility is currently closed while the organization raises funds for the structural repairs required to reopen it.
Farah Siraj Ticket Information
Farah Siraj will perform for students at area schools and residents at local nursing homes throughout the week. Their final performance will be on May 9th at 7:00 PM at The Red Rock Center for the Arts, 222 E Blue Earth Ave, Fairmont, MN.
For tickets, visit fairmontoperahouse.org or call 507-238-4900. The Fairmont Opera House Business and Ticket Office, located at 112 E Blue Earth Ave, is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Other free Workshop events listed on the website!
Tickets for May 9th: Adults are $25, Seniors are $20, and Students are $10.
*Special offer: If tickets are purchased online, use the discount code “ONLINE” for $5 off every ticket!*