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The period from the 1920s to the 1950s is considered the “golden age” of Egyptian cinema, but it was also a golden age of song in many parts of the Arab world – in particular, Egypt, Lebanon an Syria. Many of these country’s greatest singers and composers reached unprecedented heights of artistry and stardom throughout these years. The beloved diva Um Kulthoum and Mohammad Abdel Wahhab from Egypt, Syria’s Farid and Asmahan Al-Atrash and Lebanon’s Wadi’ Al-Safi and Fairuz, all represent the very best this era had to offer and add to the impressive canon of Arabic music.
Now, one of today’s leading Arab composers and multi instrumentalists, Simon Shaheen, brings this era back to life with an exciting new project called: Aswat – Celebrating the Golden Age of Arab Music. With a traditional, 12 to 15-piece Arab orchestra and special guest vocalists, Shaheen directs an evening of classic, unforgettable melodies, soul stirring voices and lush orchestral arrangements, authentically recreating and interpreting the sights and sounds of this magical time.
Shaheen’s international search for the top Arab singers of today has yielded Ibrahim Azzam of Palestine, Sonia M’barek of Tunisia, Khalil Abonula of Palestine, and Rima Khcheich of Lebanon. Together exclusively for the Aswat project, the vocalists render the most beloved Arabic songs of all time by composers like Mohammad Abdel Wahhab, Farid Al-Atrash and the Rahbani Brothers. The Aswat Orchestra includes several virtuoso instrumentalists and helps deliver a rich musical experience for devotees and new fans alike. As backdrop to the live performance aspect, a projection screen flashes preserved images and film footage of the great singers of the Golden Age. The result creates a multi-media experience of historical depth and lasting emotional impact. |
The North American Premiere of Simon Shaheen's tribute to the Golden Age of Arab Music and Cinema opened on March 5, 2009 at Duke University. The following night, before a capacity crowd at Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater, brought multiple standing ovations from an electrified crowd. And Afropop Worldwide champions the March 7 performance at New York's Town Hall with a stellar recap by Senior Editor Banning Eyre
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