Date: March 7, 2013 (Thursday) Time: 7:30 P.M. Place: Freer Gallery, 1050 Independence AV SW, Washington DC 20013 (directions) Tickets: Free to the public other than ticketing fee from Ticketmaster
One of the Arab world’s leading soloists on the ‘ud (lute), Naseer Shamma returns to the US for the first time in ten years to lead his ensemble in new arrangements of classical Arab music. Based in Cairo, the Al-Oyoun Ensemble performs on 'ud, qanun, violins, flute, cello, contrabass, and percussion.
Shamma is a native of Iraq, where he graduated from Baghdad Academy of Music, and founding director of the Beit Al-Oud Al-Arabi, an institute for the teaching of Arab classical music in Cairo, Alexandria, Algeria, and Abu Dhabi. He developed a method of playing 'ud with one hand for children wounded in the Iraq War. Shamma has performed in twelve European countries and eleven Arab nations. Supported by Saudi Aramco, this concert is part of a US tour produced by Alwan for the Arts, which includes the ensemble’s appearance at the Festival of Iraqi Culture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Date: February 16, 2013 (Saturday) Time: 7:30 P.M. Place: Meyer Auditorium, Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th St SW, Washington DC 20024, (directions) Tickets: Free but must be ordered online via TicketMaster
Inspired by Arab tradition, Western classical music, and jazz and led by regular DC-visiting artists Kinan Azmeh, five Arab musicians perform new music for the nation's capital.
Date: December 8, 2012 (Saturday) Time: 7:30 P.M. Place: Freer Gallery, 1200 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington DC 20560 (directions) Tickets: free on a first-come, first-serve basis, less processing charges available online
Simon Shaheen leads his Near Eastern Ensemble in a program of new and traditional music from the Arab world. Shaheen is a composer, arranger, and 'oud and violin virtuoso. The ensemble will also playnay (flute) and qanun.
Date: December 1, 2012 (Saturday) Time: 7:30 P.M. Place: Freer Gallery (directions) Tickets: SOLD OUT
Karima Skalli performs repertoire by past and present composers of the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, and North Africa. Sometimes called the next great diva of Arab music, Skalli has performed at the annual Festival and Conference of Arab Music, held at the Cairo Opera House; the International Festival of Sacred Music, in Morocco; and the Festivals Beiteddine in Lebanon.
Date: December 1, 2012 (Saturday) Time: 7:30 P.M. Place: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington DC 20009 (directions) Tickets: $30 Upper Balcony, $50 General Admission, $100 Premier, $250 VIP online
The ADCWomen’s Initiative will promote the second annual "Turaath: Celebrating Arab Culture in America" -- a cultural event showcasing Arab art, dance, and music. This year's event will be an evening of Arab culture, featuring the work of renowned Iraqi virtuoso and composer Amir ElSaffar, the Alwan Arab Music Ensemble, the Two Rivers Middle Eastern Jazz Ensemble.
Program:
Alwan Arab Music Ensemble: Classical, folk, and popular Arab music featuring vocalists George Ziadeh and Lubana Al Quntar
Date: October 6, 2012 (Saturday) Time: 7:30 P.M. Place: Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence AV SW, Washington DC 20013 (directions) Tickets: free walk-in
Three Kazakh women demonstrate and discuss their traditional music, with excerpts from epic ballads, lyrical songs of celebration, and fiddle music that complements shamanic rituals.
