The Art of Maqam on Violin and qanun

Join us for a concert with the Antonine University Classical Arabic Music Ensemble under the direction of Nidaa Abou Mrad. 

Nidaa Abou Mrad, violin and kemāntsheh, and Ghassan Sahhab, qānūn, will be joined by Rafka Rizk, chanting. The concert consists of three instrumental musical sequences in main maqāms (modes) of the classical Arabic music tradition, with composed and improvised pieces in the style of the Nahda era – followed by a short recapitulation of ancient vocal and instrumental music of the Levant (an Ougaritc hymn and an Abbasid song), in reference to the 4000 years of Music in the Levant, with the participation of Rafka Rizk chanting. 

Following the concert, please join Nidaa Abou Mrad for the signing of the album 4000 years of Music in the Levant (published by the Antonine University with the support of Banque BEMO), at the Sursock Museum Store. 

Nidaa Abou Mrad is a Professor of Musicology (Ph.D. in Music and Musicology), medical doctor, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research, Dean of the Faculty of Music and Musicology at the Antonine University (Lebanon), and Director of the Research Center about Music Traditions. 

Ghassan Sahhab is a Ph.D. student in ethnomusicology at University of Paris Ouest – Nanterre, and a lecturer in Music and Musicology at the Antonine University and the Lebanese American University.

Rafka Rizk has a Bachelor degree of Music and Musicology from the Université Antonine.