Bayt Al Farabi Concerts Present Intimate Exploration Of Arabic Musical Styles

Sherine Tohamy and Takht Al Emarat Epitomize Al Farabi’s Boundary-Pushing Spirit

In the second annual series of concerts devoted to the spirit and legacy of the ninth century musician, philosopher and scientist Abu Nasr Muhammad Al Farabi (872AD – 950AD), the Abu Dhabi Festival will present two intimate musical evenings featuring outstanding musicians whose deep knowledge, range and skill exemplify Al Farabi’s cultural contribution not only to the Arab world but also to Europe.

‘Bayt Al Farabi,’ a series of two concerts, is part of the Festival’s Community Programme. Both concerts are free and open to the public, and will be held at the acclaimed Bayt Al Oud music academy on March 7 and 8 at 20:00 each night. 

One of the earliest Islamic intellectuals, Al Farabi was instrumental in transmitting the doctrines of Plato and Aristotle to the Arab world, and his contributions to science, philosophy, sociology, medicine, and mathematics profoundly influenced later Islamic philosophers such as Avicenna. An avid musician, Al Farabi wrote ‘Kitab Al Musiqa’ (The Book of Music), which presents philosophical principles about the cosmic qualities and influences of music, and ‘Meanings of the Intellect,’ which deals with the therapeutic effects of music on the soul, 1000 years before modern psychologists arrived at similar conclusions.

H.E. Mrs. Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, expanded on the Bayt Al Farabi concept: “These concerts honour Al Farabi’s vision of a vibrant, thriving Arab world with music, joy and the intellect equally in balance. The profound influence of this philosopher and musician cannot be overstated, lasting for centuries after his life. He was devoted to music and prized happiness as well as learning, and he travelled far and wide over the Islamic world. Like Al Farabi, our concerts cover a wide area and variety of regional musical styles, making them ideal for people coming to Arabic music for the first time, or knowledgeable lovers of Arabic music who will thrill to hear the rhythmic sounds of the Gulf as well as the classical styles of the Levant in the same evening.”

The first concert, on March 7 at 20:00, will feature Bayt Al Oud professor Sherine Tohamy with her ‘All Women Ensemble,’ comprised of a cellist, pianist, two violinists, and a percussionist. The Ensemble will present classical compositions in addition to Arabic maqam, or traditional singing.

Tohamy has been a teacher at Bayt Al Oud since 2002 and was the first female soloist to graduate from the esteemed institution. Over the 90-minute programme, the Ensemble will present self-composed pieces as well as a song by Bayt Al Oud founder Naseer Shamma, classical Arabic musicians Fayrouz and Abdel Wahab, French pianist Richard Clayderman, Egyptian artists Zakaria Ahmed and Kamal Al Taweel, and Brazilian songwriter Ziquinha Abreu.

On March 8, audiences will be able to experience the distinct sounds of Takht Al Emarat, the Abu Dhabi-based ensemble that has gained recognition at WOMAD and other international festivals for its inclusion of unconventional instruments in traditional Khaleeji musical styles such as chaabi, a rhythm distinct to the Emirates.

Takht will be represented by seven musicians: Ali Obaid on oud, Bassam Abdul Sattar on qanun (a stringed instrument similar to a mandolin), Ahmad Taha on joza (similar to violin) and cello, Ibrahim Elsayed playing nay (a flute played around the region), Osama Abdelmoneim on contrabass, Mohammed Mahdy on violin and Siraj Mohammed Zaki on drums. They will play a selection of Khaleeji songs, followed by a short programme of classical Arabic music by composers like Omer Faruq and Goksel Baktagir (who performed at the inaugural Bayt Al Farabi at Abu Dhabi Festival 2012), one of the world’s best-known oud players.

Bayt Al Oud is a training institute established by acclaimed oud maker, teacher and composer Naseer Shamma. Its aim is to raise awareness of history, traditions and schools in oud playing and nurture the next generation of oud musicians.

Another opportunity to hear Arabic music at the Abu Dhabi Festival will be on March 25 with the world premiere of ‘The Rahbani Legacy’, an Abu Dhabi Festival commission by Ghadi and Oussama Rahbani. Starring Ghassan Saliba, Ronza, Fadia El Hajj, Simon Obeid, Nader Khoury, Elie Khayat, and Hiba Tawaji, the production traces the musical journey and contributions of their famous forebears Assi and Mansour and their continued resonance today.

To secure a seat for either performance please RSVP to community@admaf.org

Emirate:  Abu Dhabi

Date: Mar 5, 2013

Back