Laura Harada and Tim O'Keefe at Full Circle Belly Dance Festival 2009

Laura Harada
originally trained in Western classical violin through Oberlin Conservatory as well as numerous chamber and orchestral summer institutes, Laura Harada has spent the last 15 years exploring and playing music from all over the world. She has spent much of that time focusing on classical Arabic music studies with acclaimed oud and violin virtuoso Simon Shaheen at his Arabic Music Retreat held at Mount Holyoke College. For eight years she has received training in Arabic music theory, history, ear training, and ensemble performance from some of the foremost experts in the field including Marcel Khalife, Bassam Saba, Jihad Racy, Nasim Dakwar, and Michel Merhej.

Laura has performed with the Georges Lammam Ensemble and Jawaahir Dance Company on numerous productions. In 2005, Laura toured the US with Fathy Salama's Cairo Orchestra and performed with Senegalese singer Youssou N'dour's Grammy-winning project, Egypt. Laura is a former member of San Francisco-based Arabic ensembles al-Marjanah and Aswat and received funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board to support performances with these ensembles. Locally, Laura appears with Mandragora Tango, classical Arabic ensemble Amwaaj, and Batucada do Norte, a Brazilian percussion ensemble.

In addition to her active performing life, Laura maintains a studio of violin students ages 6-70. Besides providing a strong foundation in classical violin skills, she introduces students to fiddle styles of Ireland, the US, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and the Arab world.