Naseer Shamma performs with the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Ahmed El Saedi at the Cairo Opera House in 2011 (Photo: Sherif Sonbol)
A launch concert for Lemma La? ("Why Not?"), a new album by renowned Iraqi oud player and musician Naseer Shamma is set to take place at the Cairo Opera House main hall on Tuesday 6 December.
The album, which was two years in the making, comprises 10 new instrumental compositions by Shamma.
An orchestra especially founded for this album project will be accompanying Shamma on stage during this album launch concert.
According to the event’s Facebook page, Lemma La? marks a new stage in the vocation of the famous oud player, who in this album “merges the oud sound with a modern orchestra to speak to the current moment all the while preserving the instrument's identity as well as the essence of maqamat (the Arabic musical scale and modal structure).”
Over the years, Shamma has come to be celebrated for giving the traditional string instrument a more contemporary sound.
He established Beit Al-Oud Al-Arabi (The Arabic Oud House) to teach people how to play what he calls the "grandfather" of stringed instruments.
He has introduced the oud to dozens of young musicians, with many of them describing Shamma as a "free spirit" and innovative, open and "forceful artist."
Programme
:
Tuesday 6 December, 8pm
Cairo Opera House, main hall, Zamalek, Cairo
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