Beethoven and Banjos presents Music of Madagascar

PRESENTED BY Northwoods Music Collaborative

Beethoven and Banjos is welcoming two extraordinary Malagasy musicians to the Upper Peninsula: Mikahely Razafy and David Rajaonary (Rade). Together with Laurel Premo and Evan Premo, they will create a program that brings these musical worlds together — Mikahely on valiha, guitar and voice, Rade on bass, Laurel on banjo and fiddle, and Evan on double bass. Mikahely’s music is deeply rooted in Madagascar. He sings primarily in Malagasy and plays the valiha, a traditional Malagasy instrument made from bamboo, with strings running around the outside of the cylindrical body — almost like a harp wrapped around a piece of bamboo. Its sound is shimmering and beautiful, and the rhythms in Mikahely’s music are absolutely infectious. Mikahely is a wonderful communicator about Malagasy spirituality, nature, and our relationship with the living world. Detailed information about the musicians can be found at: https://www.northwoodsmusiccollaborative.org/beethoven-and-banjos

Listen to Mikahely Razafy on YouTube HERE.

Things to know

DATES AND TIMES| Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION | McArdle Theatre
EST. RUN TIME | 90 minutes, no intermission
SEATING | General Admission
PUBLIC TICKETS | $30 More than the Full fee / $25 Full Fee / $20 Most of the fee / $15 Some of the fee / $10 The min. payment / $5 Youth (Under 18) & Michigan Tech Students
MICHIGAN TECH STUDENT RUSH TICKETS | This event is not eligible for Student Rush Tickets
CONTENT GUIDANCE | None

Rozsa Lobby is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. M-F. Seating begins a half hour prior to the event start time. View Rozsa Box Office Hours.

About the Presenter

Northwoods Music Collaborative (NMC) is a nonprofit organization that uses music and healing arts to stimulate, inspire, and educate communities throughout the Northwoods region. Its mission focuses on presenting innovative and accessible performances, providing music education and community outreach, creating new artistic work inspired by the region, supporting artists, and collaborating with community partners.

Key Programs and Activities

• Beethoven & Banjos: NMC's signature program, blending classical, folk, and traditional music through performances, workshops, school residencies, and community engagement activities. Programs are offered on an affordable or "pay what you can" basis to maximize accessibility.

• School and Youth Education Programs: Music education initiatives that reach students across the western Upper Peninsula and other Northwoods communities through assemblies, workshops, and artist residencies.

• Community Outreach & Healing Arts: Collaborative projects that use music as a tool for connection, wellness, and creative expression, often delivered in partnership with local organizations.

• The Lullaby Project: A partnership program that helps participants create and share original lullabies, strengthening family connections and fostering personal expression through music.

• Artist Workshops & Traditional Arts Programming: Educational workshops featuring acclaimed musicians, dancers, and tradition bearers, helping preserve and celebrate regional and cultural music traditions.

• New Artistic Creation: Development and presentation of original interdisciplinary works, combining music, storytelling, film, and community engagement

Thanks to Our Sponsors

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Personal Responsibility Statement
Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. The Rozsa Center provides content guidance to alert audience members to common potentially sensitive or distressing material. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with each event in order to make informed decisions prior to attending an event.

Views Expressed Statement
The views, information, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this program or event are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent the policies of the Rozsa Center or Michigan Technological University. Effective Date: 2025/26.