Portland cellist Adam Hurst performs his original improvisational cello music at the AVA Center Friday, March 23. Photo by Jennifer Blackswan.

Adam Hurst performs his original and unique improvised melodic style of cello playing at the Astoria Visual Arts Center, 453A 11th St., at 8 p.m. Friday, March 23.

Hurst’s music blends Middle Eastern, Indian and Gypsy traditions with Western classical themes in haunting and seamlessly flowing compositions. He has been described as “mesmerizing,” “spiritually inspiring” and “a hypnotic cello player.” Live and on his recordings, he performs alone.

The music of Hurst has universal appeal, said Paul Hoskin, curator of the AVA’s Creative Music Series. At any given live show, there are people of different ages, social groups and ethnic backgrounds enjoying the music. His melodies become stories that transport listeners. Someday Lounge commented, “The masterful Adam Hurst brings works of crystalline beauty that can be appreciated in five minutes or savored for hours.”

Hurst has released two CDs of original music. The recordings, like the live performances, are solo cello with drone. His most recent CD, “Illusions,” was described by the St. John’s Sentinel as “the soundtrack to a dream voyage.”

Early on in his musical career, Hurst composed and recorded several film soundtracks in different styles and appeared as a studio musician on numerous albums. These experiences, as well as travels to Japan, Cuba, Spain, Greece and other places around the world, have contributed to his musical inspiration.

Hurst began playing cello at the age of 8. He studied privately with David Gibson in Albany, N.Y., with Anne Alton at Skidmore College and with Daniel Harp at Brown University. These teachers imparted technique and musicality with Western classical music. This training was essential to the original music he now creates.

Hurst has taught privately as well. He began teaching lessons when he was still in high school and did so throughout college. After graduating, he spent several years teaching cello at Providence College in Providence, R.I.

Admission to Friday’s performance is by donation.