At the end of the "Embracing the Beloved" concert, Saturday evening at the Minnesota Hindu Temple in Maple Grove, master South Indian vocalist Nirmala Rajasekar dedicated the evening to the people of Boston. The timing was accidental, but it was one beautiful way to respond to a terrible week: three fine local musicians who represent three spiritual traditions singing their hearts out, with a supporting vocal and instumental ensemble, on the theme of religious togetherness and human soilidarity. Read more about the event here.

Rajasekar, who teaches Carnatic (South Indian) music from her home in Plymouth, was joined by David Jordan Harris, founder and director of Voices of Sepharad, singing a wide array of Jewish music in the Sephardic tradition, and Maryam Yusefzadeh, whose ensemble Robayat gives voice to the noble poetry and music of Persia. There was Hindu music, Jewish music, Zoroastrian music, Christian music, Islamic music, echoing in harmony throughout the Nath Auditorium of the Temple. (Afterwards, the entire audience enjoyed a vegetarian dinner catered by Minneapolis' Bombay Bistro). Bill Kelley captured the melodies in images.