The Iraqi Maqam Ensemble is a prominent group founded by Mohammed Gomar in 1989. This ensemble is a continuation of The Iraqi Musical Heritage Group which was initiated in 1973 by the prominent Arabic lute (ud) player Professor Munir Bashir (1930-1997). The ensemble members had graduated at the Institute of Musical Studies and the Academy of Art Baghdad University.
The Iraqi Maqam Ensemble was reestablished in 1989 under the direction of instrumentalist, and composer Mohammad Gomar, to continue its mission to preserve and develop Arab classical music in Iraq.
Discography:
Classical Music of Iraq (Music and Words, 1998)
Iraqi Mawal & maqam (Samarkand, 2000)
Departure (Soly Luna, 2001)
Tradition (Munir Bashir Foundation, 2002)
Voice of Mesopotamia (Long Distance, 2003)
Baghdad Eternity (Poems & Maqamat) (Iraqi Maqam Foundation, 2004)
Ishraqaat (Snail Records, 2005)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
