Middle Eastern Music

Sunday, November 13th 2005, 11:00am - 2:00pm
$35 in advance, $40 day of workshop. (fee includes handouts)

Learn about the fascinating maqam system behind the haunting melodies of Arabic music.
Workshop will include vocal and instrumental demonstrations, as well as an introduction to
Arabic vocal technique and rhythms.

 

 

 

  
Najwa Gibran is considered one of the finest Arabic female singers living today in the west. She is an expert of the Arabic traditional vocal technique called Mawal (an improvisational passage) and an expert of Lebanese and Bedouin folk songs. She grew up in Haifa to a musical family of Christian Arab heritage. She began her musical training with her father Marun in Middle Eastern vocal techniques and Maqamatt (traditional Middle Eastern musical scales system) and studied piano at the Haifa conservatory. Since the age of 13, Najwa has sung professionally in various Arabic community events. After immigrating to Canada she continued her studies at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto where she studied voice. She is the lead vocalist with Canada's Arabesque Dance Company and The Yuval Ron Ensemble in Los Angeles. She has been featured on Arabesque Dance Companys "Oyoun" CD, Boomtang "Wet" and on The Yuval Ron Ensemble CD "Under The Olive Tree," as well as on the soundtrack for the film "Helen of Troy." Najwa has participated in numerous music festivals such as "A Concert for the Peace, Health, and Prosperity" (New York City), "Festival Of lights" (Toronto), "Holiday Of Holidays" (Israel), "Bridging the Silence" (Toronto), and the "Microfest" (Los Angeles) and several concerts for promoting peace in the Middle East.
     
 

Marun Tannus began his musical studies at the ages of 14, studying
classical Arabic music, Arab historical musicology, western classical music, instrumental and vocal music conducting and western composition. He has been active in teaching music at all levels, as well as in conducting orchestras and writing educational music books. Marun has also been involved in writing lyrics and composing music for singers and theatre pieces.

Want information to prepare for the workshop?
Visit www.maqamworld.com to start learning about the maqams.
 
To register contact Dharlene at: dharlene@haftvadi.com or 519-569-7139