Presented by A. J. Racy, professor of ethnomusicology at the University of California, Los Angeles, performer, composer, and author

In ancient Egyptian belief, music was linked to power. The male god Thoth’s song was said to have conjured eight primordial deities, called the Ogdoad. Hathor, goddess of music and dance, was often depicted with a sistrum, a percussion instrument. And among the numerous treasures found in the tomb of Tutankhamun were two trumpets—some of the world’s oldest intact musical instruments. An ancient Egyptian system for musical notation has yet to be discovered; however, Egyptologists can infer much about ancient Egyptian music through surviving fragments of instruments, visual depictions of musicians and performances on wall paintings and papyri, literary descriptions, and cross-cultural comparison.

Dr. A. J. Racy will discuss current academic conjecture about ancient Egyptian music and instruments, and their close counterparts in neighboring regions today. He will also perform live on a variety of instruments—the nay (reed flute), mijwiz (folk double-clarinet), kawalah (Egyptian folk flute), and buzuq (long-necked lute)—to demonstrate aspects of continuity and change in the structure, playing technique, and symbolic significance of musical instruments.

Admission to the lecture is free and open to the public. A reception follows the program. Register to win great giveaways from Houston Public Radio—KUHF 88.7 FM & Classical 91.7 FM—and the MFAH.

Promotional support for Artful Thursday is generously provided by KUHF 88.7 FM and KUHA 91.7 FM, Houston Public Radio. Refreshments generously provided by the Starbucks located at Buffalo Speedway/Westpark and Rice Village.