DOHA: Qatar Music Academy will hold two free Arab music concerts on Thursday at 6.35pm at the Museum of Islamic Art Atrium and on June 22 at 5pm at the Katara Drama Theatre.
Both will celebrate the life and works of Egyptian composer and singer Mohammad ‘Abd Al Wahab. A legend in the world of modern Arabic music, Al Wahab’s melodies have captured the hearts of millions and made him a much-loved musical personality.
The shows will feature the Marasi ensemble comprising teachers from the academy’s Arab Music Department.
The Arabic word Marasi denotes to a harbour where ships return home after long voyages, and is an apt name for the ensemble as they act as guardians of maqam musical heritage from all over the Arab world.
Dr Abdul Ghafour Al Heeti, Principal of the academy, said: “Marasi provides our students and the wider community with opportunities to explore theoretical, practical and historical interests in maqam music. This comes in line with our vision of promoting music appreciation and awareness in Qatar, to foster new talent and to preserve the legacy of Arabian musical culture. We welcome everyone to our two forthcoming concerts and to share in our passion for Arab music.” The ensemble will perform on traditional instruments such as the oud, buzuq, nay, qanun, violin (kaman) and Middle Eastern percussion instruments such as darbukkah, riq, duhul and tar. “We established Marasi to explore an eclectic range of classical, neo-classical and popular forms of Arab music from throughout the Middle East, and to showcase the compositional and improvisational techniques unique to our culture,” said Issa Boulos, Head of Arab Music at Qatar Music Academy.
The Peninsula
