Abu Dhabi – In a tribute to the great Arabic composer, the late Mohammed Abdul Wahab, the third season of Sounds of Arabia organized a special concert dedicated to the Egyptian artist. Singer Medhat Saleh and Orchestra, from Egypt, conducted by Amro Salim performed a selection of widely beloved works by the great composer and singer Abdul Wahab on Saturday night at Emirates Palace auditorium.
Wahab, who died in 1991, was considered one of the best composers of all times in the Arabic world. He composed many classical Arab songs and musical pieces, while at the same time he introduced Western rhythms to Arabic songs in a way appropriate to the known forms of Arabic songs.
The Sound of Arabia Festival organized by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) aims to revive the authentic Arabic singing and music; this season the festival presents the biggest names in Tarab art and also host new artistic talents that have adopted this elevated artistic line, as part of the Authority’s support for them.
The opening Gala concert held last Thursday, May 6, presented an orchestral choral exploration into the traditional music of the Emirates named “Sounds of Emirates”. Emirati singer Said Al Salem performed number of popular songs by the late singer Jaber Jasim in cooperation with Emirates musicians.
Fallowing that, the great Tunisian Sufi singer Lutfi Bouchnak presented his best Arab-Andalusian style songs that represent deeply rooted traditional Arabic music.
In the second night of the festival, held on Friday night at the Emirates Palace auditorium, young singer and oud player, Mustafa Said, from Egypt performed with his ensemble and musicians from the Arabian Oud House in Abu Dhabi. Said’s performance and his selection of heritage masterpieces and ancient poems recalled the time of the beautiful era of arts.
In the second part of the concert the audiences were thrilled with the performance of Lebanese great singer Ahmed Kaboor who was called “the voice of freedom” of pan-Arab nationalism. Kaboor performed his famous songs on the love of the country and defending the land.
On the other hand, the festival will continue in the capital until May 15 with extraordinary concerts, lectures and workshops.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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