Published: June, 2007 (rev. March 2008)

SIMON SHAHEEN PROPOSES NEW MULTI-MEDIA PROGRAM FOR 2009

As you begin your preparations for the 2008-2009 touring season, we hope that you will consider this very exciting new project created by SRO artist, Simon Shaheen...

The period from the 1920s to the 1950s is considered the "golden age" of Egyptian cinema, but was also the golden age of song in many parts of the Arab world - in particular, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria. Many of these countries' greatest singers and composers reached unprecedented heights of artistry and stardom during this period. 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, is bringing this era back to life with an exciting new project called: "Aswat - Celebrating the Golden Age of Arab Music". Working with a traditional Arab orchestra and some of the leading singers in the Arab world today, Shaheen will be directing 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. Featured vocalists may include world-class artists such as Sonia M'barek of Tunisia, Rima Khcheich of Lebanon, Amal Maher of Egypt, and Shadi Jameel of Syria singing some of the most beloved songs of all time by these great composers.

Along with the live performance aspect of the show, Shaheen is also pulling together some of the best film footage available of the great singers of the era, creating a multi-media experience of historical depth and lasting emotional impact.

The premiere US tour for "Aswat" is scheduled for Feb/March 2009. Promotional materials will be available later in the summer of 2007. Please contact us to reserve your Press Kit and schedule a discussion with your agent.