About Libana

Mission Statement:

Libana is a women's world music ensemble that illuminates the creativity, vision, and spirit of the world's women through the performance of traditional and contemporary music and dance. By raising awareness and appreciation for diverse cultural expressions and the universal themes that unite us all, Libana inspires intercultural understanding, healing, and peacebuilding.

Organizational Goals:

1. To celebrate and preserve the traditional and contemporary music and dance of the world's women
2. To educate an international audience on the experiences of women as reflected in varied music, dance and cultural traditions
3. To inspire healing and peacebuilding through the performing arts.

Members of Libana

Lisa Bosley
vocals, bendir, charango, claves, clarinet, darabuka, kompang, kontra, riqq, zils

Allison Coleman
vocals, bendir, bombo, cabasa, charango, flute, kompang, mazhar, riqq, dancer

Marytha Paffrath
vocals, bells, bendir, bombo, djembe, dumbek, frame drums, kompang, naqqara, pakawaj, recorders, riqq, shekere, tapan/tabl, dancer

Susan Robbins
vocals, accordion, bendir, chonguri, guitar, hammered dulcimer, ipu, kompang, oud, psaltery, saz, shekere, tambura, zils

Linda Ugelow
vocals, bell, bendir, darabuka, double bass, kompang, riqq, shekere, dancer

Cheryl Weber
vocals, bendir, kompang, riqq, shekere, woodblock

Libana takes its name from a 10th century Moorish woman, who was a poet, philosopher, and musician, symbolically representing women's creativity and vision throughout time. The group was founded by its Artistic Director, Susan Robbins in 1979, with the idea of exploring and performing music and dance which reflect women's often undocumented creative contributions to their cultures. For the past 27 years, they have taken audiences throughout North America and Europe on inspiring and celebratory musical journeys, weaving together the songs, dances and instrumental music of the world's cultures, especially as handed down through the artistic traditions of women.

Their repertoire of ancient melodies and contemporary tunes is performed a cappella and with a vast array of instruments including guitar, dumbek, accordion, oud, naqqara, clarinet and double bass. Their music is drawn from the divergent cultural expressions of the Mediterranean, the Balkans, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Libana's music and dance go directly to the heart, inspiring audiences with wonder in the commonality of the global community.