The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi Announces Series of Live Online Concerts with Bait Al Oud
Held under the theme ‘Visits from Bait Al Oud’, the series of virtual performances is a continuation of ‘Naseer Shamma & Friends’
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a series of performances with Bait Al Oud musicians and oud legend Naseer Shamma which will be held under the theme ‘Visits from Bait Al Oud’ and streamed live online.
A continuation of ‘Naseer Shamma & Friends’, the successful online concert which spread a message of hope during the current pandemic, ‘Visits from Bait Al Oud’ will be held on Wednesdays, where Bait Al Oud musicians from all over the world will perform from the safety of their homes under the artistic supervision of Shamma.
Starting on 13th May at 8:30pm, ‘The Story of the Oud’ concert will celebrate the diversity of the instruments used in classical Arabic music and will showcase the wide range of instruments taught at the Bait Al Oud school, including the oud, violin, qanoon, vocal and cello.
The series then continues with ‘Bait Al Oud and Abu Dhabi Classics: Universal Mozart’ on 3rd June at 8:30pm, as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s genius is highlighted as Shamma, Bait Al Oud musicians and selected classical musicians from Europe and Asia come together to perform his music, with a special focus on compositions inspired by the Arab World.
Arabic Classical Singing will also be showcased as part of ‘Bait Al Oud’s Tribute to Classical Arabic Singing’ on 17th June at 8:30pm. As the centre of the Arab World’s cultural identity and musical heritage, the rich tradition will be revisited by Shamma, graduated students and distinguished teachers from Bait Al Oud Abu Dhabi, as they offer a phenomenal instrumental and vocal experience paying tribute to the greatest Arabic voices such as Umm Kulthoum, Fairuz and more.
“In trying times such as these, it is important to continually foster a sense of community and togetherness, and to spread hope as much as we can,” said Shamma. “I’ve found that one of the best ways to deliver the message of hope is through music. ‘Visits from Bait Al Oud’ series has enabled my friends and I to safely be invited into homes around the world to share a message of hope and solidarity. We are excited to show the depth of classical music, offer unmissable vocal and instrumental experiences, and have viewers leave our concerts inspired to carry on this message of hope.”
A world-renowned maestro from Iraq, Shamma is a distinguished oud player who has received more than 60 awards and accolades, and released albums in Italy, Egypt, Algeria and the UK with more than 60 compositions. As the UNESCO Artist for Peace and goodwill ambassador to the International Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies, Shamma will continue to use his talent to spread a message of hope alongside the talented graduates of Bait Al Oud and instructors such as Sherine Tohami, Bassam Abdel Sattar, Mohamed Dohai, Ahmed Taha, Ali Duraidi and Fateen Qanaan.
The series has held a number of concerts to date including ‘Naseer Shamma and Friends’, ‘The New Qanoon’, and ‘Ramadan Nights’.
The public will be able to watch these concerts and enjoy the best of classical music from www.youtube.com/AbuDhabiCulture.
