Simon Shaheen is one of the world’s greatest players of the ‘ud (short-necked fretted lute that is the ancestor of the European lute) and one of the most influential Arab musicians and composers of his generation. Internationally renowned, he has enthralled audiences with his mastery of both the ‘ud and violin and his brilliant improvisations. In this program, Simon Shaheen (‘ud and violin) will be joined by Nano Raies (vocal), Najib Shaheen (‘ud), Tareq Rantisi (percussion), Rami Abuolaya (nay – flute), George Crotty (cello), Ameer Armaly (‘ud), and a chorus comprised of Marwa Morgan, Mohamed Salah, and Zahra Alzubaidi. Their program will feature original and traditional Arab instrumental and vocal music, including the sama`i (instrumental form popular in Arab and Turkish music), the tahmila (traditional Arab dance music form) and irtijal (the art of improvisation); a medley of Palestinian folk songs; Lebanese vocal selections from the 70s; and the traditional muwashshah (complex vocal form based on classical Arabic poems that originated in Andalusia).
Check out this video, and his memorable appearance on Afropop's "Journeys with the Oud."
Info and tickets here.
