Save the Date: May 5, 2013
SAVE THE DATE!
فيروزيات و كلثوميات
Sunday, May 5, 2013
3:00 PM
San Mateo College Theatre
1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94402
This Spring, Zawaya brings you
Aswat, the Bay Area’s Premier Arab Music Ensemble
in a concert celebrating the first ladies of Arab music:
Umm Kulthum of Egypt and Fairuz of Lebanon
Tickets are cheaper online! http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/337860
Please mark your calendars!
Aswat at YOSHI’S OAKLAND December 2nd
Image courtesy of "Papa Hedi: The Search for My Grandfather" documentary by Claire Belhassine
Aswat, the Bay Area’s Premier Arab Music Ensemble performs the music of al-Hadi al-Juwaini: the Father of 20th century Tunisian music and Sacred music of Morocco
featuring vocalists Ala Kallel and Fatima al-Zahra Lahlou
Sunday, December 2
7pm $20
Yoshi’s Oakland
510 Embarcadero West
Oakland, CA 94607
3rd Annual Aswat Benefit Concert for the MECA Maia Project
Stirring & Celebratory Arab music and dance,
for justice and peace,
plus special solo performance for Eid
including ASWAT Women’s Ensemble and Oud Ensemble
Families Welcome!
Sunday, October 28, 3pm,
Islamic Cultural Center
1433 Madison Street Oakland, CA 94612
Tickets $15 advance, $20 door, $10 low-income; $50 reserved seating
Buy your tickets now!
$15 tickets are also available at the following bookstores: (East Bay) Books Inc./Berkeley, Books Inc./Alameda, Diesel, Moe’s, Walden Pond; (SF) Modern Times.
You can also get any of the tickets directly from MECA. Send a check made out to MECA, and mail to MECA, Attn: Sue, 1101 8th Street, Berkeley CA 94710. Include a SASE, and let us know how many tickets you want, at which price. Make sure to include your phone number or email, in case we have any questions. Or you can call our office weekdays 9am-5pm, 510-548-0542, and order tickets using your credit card.
Benefit for MECA’s Maia Project: Clean Water for the children of Palestine. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Please contact us if you are a wheelchair-user, we will assist you!
Cosponsored by: Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California, KPFA, Al-Awda, Arab Film Festival, Arab Cultural & Community Center, Arab Resource & Organizing Center, US Palestinian Community Network, Bay Area Women in Black, International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, Jewish Voice for Peace, San Francisco Women in Black.
Aswat Member Feature Profile: Tanya Stum
Glowing under stage lights at the most recent Aswat concert, that shock of wispy platinum blonde hair on a petite and delicate frame is Tanya Stum, Aswat vocalist and vocal trainer. With a life steeped in music performance and education, and an affinity for things Arab, it was only a matter of time before she and Aswat found each other, and find each other they did in 2011. An American of Scottish-Irish-German-Iroquois descent and a native of rural Pennsylvania, Tanya is connected to the Arab world only through her heart, and that connection has proven a strong one throughout her life. As a testament to the power of the arts, Tanya’s making as an Arabophile is rooted in her numerous encounters with the Arab arts, beginning with a picture of textiles in an encyclopedia when she was a little girl. As she grew up, Tanya’s portal to the Arab world expanded to include Arab folk dance and food – that is, the culinary arts. Today, it is Arab music that enriches that connection, and Aswat has provided the venue to make that possible. Underlying Tanya’s Arab connection through the arts, however, are actual people – Arabs – with whom long-lasting friendships are under way as they come together in Aswat over Arab food, dance, and music.
What role has music played in your life?
Music has played a great role in my life ever since I was a small child. While growing up in a church, I was the designated pianist and organist. Throughout college I studied classical voice and opera, and at this point in my life, it’s my profession. I teach at the SF Boys Chorus, where I direct preparatory boys of 6 to 7 years of age using the Kodaly method. I also teach theory and musicianship to older elementary boys at that organization and I will be teaching a children’s class at the Jazz school in Berkeley in the fall.
Why Arab music?
I remember when I was a small child, I would look at the world encyclopedia and I would always gravitate towards Middle Eastern textiles and culture. Later on, when I went to college, I was introduced to Middle Eastern friends, and I guess that’s where my love for the Arab World was spawned.
How did you learn about Aswat?
I learned about Aswat from a former colleague who was going to see Aswat with a friend, and he had an extra ticket. He asked me if I wanted to go, and I said, “yes”. When I saw Aswat perform for the first time, I knew that the group was going to be in my life in the future at some point.
You are a cancer survivor. Did music play any role in your healing?
When I first came to Aswat, I met Nabila Mango, and I realized that she was very ill with cancer. I was able to identify with her since I had just gone through cancer myself. I was singing for another group where I was a soloist at times, and they were absolutely instrumental in the healing process. When I even felt better, I joined Aswat, and that was a continuation of the healing process for me.
What are some of your most memorable experiences in Aswat?
When I first met people in Aswat, they were very welcoming, and I really appreciated them coming up to me, introducing themselves, and telling me a little about themselves. My favorite experience in Aswat, however, is a recurring one. Each week at Aswat practice, non-Arabic speakers study the pronunciation of Arabic song lyrics first, and then move on to singing the lyrics of the song with correct pronunciation, but without music. Then, the instrumentalists and singers all come together, and put the song together. That moment when we put the song together is a really positive and precious moment for me.
What impact has Aswat had in your life?
Aswat has had a great impact in my life, musically speaking. I also have a new network of friends – wonderful people – and a new understanding of Arab music.
What value has Arab music added to your appreciation of music itself?
I grew up in a Fundamentalist Christian church that focused on hymns, spirituals, and gospel music. And obviously, that kind of music is mainly – the hymns particularly – from Europe. The spirituals and gospels came from our unfortunate American experience. Arab music is quite different from the music I grew up with. Arab music doesn’t have harmony, and it has such a thing as quarter tones, which gives a whole new depth to music. I am still learning a great deal about it. Arab music is very complex, and I appreciate how challenging it is. It has been a very great learning curve for me. I like how a lot of the folk songs are very rooted to the earth, and that is similar to folk songs from around the world. Arab music is a reflection of the flora and fauna, its people and their activities.
What other aspects of Arab culture do you like?
I really love Arab food. I really appreciate its healthiness. I noticed that since I’ve been in Aswat, I’ve been implementing a more Arab diet – eating a lot more hummus. My first experience with Arab food was during college. Friends and I would go to a restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania called Ali Baba, which is actually still in business. I loved going there. When I joined Aswat, there were potlucks and gatherings at restaurants. It inspired me to have more Arab food in my life so I actually visit several Arab markets at this point. I love tabbouleh and baba ghanoush, and I just love trying out new food. Arab desserts are fantastic.
What do you think of Arab men?
I think Arab men in general are really good-looking [giggles girlishly]. I do love Middle Eastern men, but just to look at. My husband knows this. I married an American – a pasty white man of English and German descent. I’ve been married to him 16 years. He’s a robotics geek, extremely resourceful, funny, and adorable. I love his intellect and sensitivity, and his ease with expressing his sensitivity. I call him my “new age man”. Oh, and he’s really good looking, too!
Arab women?
Arab women are very much like American women in that there are some who are traditional, and others who are very progressive and outspoken. I love seeing that similarity.
Is there anything that Aswat members don’t know about you?
Aswat members probably don’t know that I used to have three motorcycles; that I used to lane split on the Bay Bridge; that I used to rock-climb; that I did a tandem hand-gliding session. I am also a bee-keeper. My husband and I have two hives in our backyard. Bees are complex little creatures. They remind me every day about the struggles of life, and death, and I’m glad we are helping the environment by having these bees.
Does your experience in Aswat confirm or challenge Arab stereotypes?
One that was confirmed was that they really like to smoke a lot, particularly during intermission at the concerts [chuckles]. But other than that, people are people. I would like more Americans to know about Arab music and Arabs in general. Where I grew up – in rural Pennsylvania – there is definitely a preconceived idea of what an Arab is. I want to be able to help the Arab community in letting others know that they are people who go to work, who sing, who get together, who experience the same kinds of things that Americans do. When people take the time to learn about each other, barriers are broken, compassion manifests, and meaningful relationships are created…..even with just an encyclopedia.
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Help Zawaya reach out to diverse Bay Area communities with the Arab arts.
Donate to Zawaya today!
Aswat Concert June 3rd
On June 3rd, Aswat brings you a concert celebrating the work of musical genius, prolific composer, and innovator Mohammed Abdel Wahab (1899-1991).
Abdel Wahab reshaped the musical landscape of the Arab world in the twentieth century, a time when the relatively new and unremitting onslaught of Western culture and ideas posed a challenge to Arab identity not only in politics and economics, but also in art and music.
It was in this charged atmosphere that Abdel Wahab dared to confront the question of Arab identity as it related to the ascendant, colonizing West through music. The result was a staggering body of work spanning a lifetime that came to reflect Arab self-perception and aspirations.
Despite unassailable credentials in traditional, classical Arab music, Abdel Wahab nonetheless brought innovation to Arab music by incorporating the use of Western instruments and rhythms in his arrangements and compositions. While this seems commonplace today, it was avant garde when Abdel Wahab first decided to do it.
Regardless of purist criticism, Abdel Wahab’s music ultimately provided the soundtrack for a generation that negotiated a new world in which they desired to retain and maintain their Arab identity alongside their love affair – even if deemed illicit – with these new, if invasive, Western forms. How else could his music have spoken so effectively to the Arab world? How else could it have stuck in Arab hearts and minds if it were not giving expression to who they were and how they felt? And stick it did.
Roughly 20 years after Abdel Wahab’s death, his music lives on as classics in their own right in the Arab world. Aswat pays tribute to Abdel Wahab on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at the College of San Mateo Theatre. Directed by Maestro Omar Abbad, the program includes Abdel Wahab’s instrumental compositions, the songs he composed and sang himself, and songs he composed for other singers, demonstrating Abdel Wahab’s growth and development throughout his career.
Tickets on sale now at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/233908
The program likewise includes an Arab folk music medley, an ‘oud and guitar jam, a performance by the Aswat ‘Oud Ensemble, and the Aswat Women Ensemble.
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsal Venue: ICCNC, 1433 Madison St., Oakland, CA 94612
Rehearsal Schedule: Sundays, starting Sept. 25, 2011, 2:00-6:00 pm
2:00 – 3:00 pm – Arabic Pronunciation
3:00 – 4:30 pm – Singers
4:30 – 6:00 pm – Musicians
Sign up with Nabila Mango at info@zawaya.org. Just send her an email stating your interest in joining Aswat.
Soul Tradition Love on June 5th
ASWAT, the premier Arab arts and music ensemble of the Bay Area, proudly announces its long anticipated spring concert to be held Sunday, June 5th, 2011 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. With a special focus on the music of Palestine, the matinee concert will devote almost half of the program to both folkloric and traditional Palestinian village songs commemorating life and tradition as expressed in old songs dating back to a time before wars, destruction and displacement. Aswat will also perform timeless classical compositions from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Guest artists joining ASWAT will be international peace troubadour David Rovics and acclaimed Syrian singer Mohannad Mchallah, who got standing ovations at his recent ASWAT performance in April 2011 at the College of San Mateo.
This special performance titled “Soul… Tradition… Love - An Evening of Folkloric and Classical Arab Music from Palestine and Beyond” represents a major milestone for Aswat, celebrating almost eleven years of musical history in the Bay Area. The June 5th performance will be directed by renowned Jordanian conductor and oudist Omar Abbad, who has spent the past five months training and directing the ensemble. ASWAT and its founding organization Zawaya invite you all to a truly special afternoon of beautiful Arabic music from Palestine and beyond.
To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/176525
Aswat Concert Celebrating the Arab World & Easter
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/167283
As the Arab World navigates the vicissitudes of history, Zawaya calls upon the Bay Area to come together for a night of music and song to commemorate Easter and Intifada.
Directed by multi-instrumentalist and ‘oud master, Maestro OMAR ABBAD.
Aswat will be joined by special guests MOHANNAD MCHALLAH, Turathuna Choir, & the Arab American Catholic Church SF Choir.
Aswat for Maia on NOV 14: Tickets Now Available!
In support of the MAIA Project of the Middle East Children’s Alliance, the Aswat Ensemble brings you classical and folk Arabic music, Palestinian and Andalusian folk dance, and Palestinian poetry on November 14th - including performances by Aswat Youth and former SF poet laureate Jack Hirschman. Musical Direction by Morroccan Virtuoso, Rachid Halihal. Families are welcome! Tickets are now available!
Aswat Concert: Music & Folk Dance from the Arab World MAY 8
Save the date! Let Aswat take you on a breathtaking musical odyssey through the Arab World for one night. Under the direction of Moroccan virtuoso Rachid Halihal, listen to a dazzling repertoire that features the rich textures and flavors of Andalusian, Egyptian, Khaliji, Lebanese, North African, Palestinian, and Yemeni music performed by an amazingly diverse ensemble united by their love of Arabic music. The night’s special guest is Lebanese artist May Nasr whose music has rapidly gained an international following with its message of peace ensconced in cool, plaintive vocals and guitar. Tickets are available on brownpapertickets.com.
Aswat at the de Young JAN 29th
ASWAT at the deYoung
Aswat welcomes the new year with a FREE concert!
ASWAT Brings You North African Music in 2010
Rachid Halihal
In 2010, ASWAT will venture into the musical territory of North Africa under the direction of Rachid Halihal, Moroccan virtuoso. Rachid studied Western classical and Andalus music at the Conservatory of Music in Fez, Morocco. In addition to his voice, which is best featured in the Andalus style, his strongest instruments are the oud and the violin, which he plays in both the classical manner and upright- resting on the knee for Moroccan folkloric music. Rachid has performed internationally to diverse audiences, and is looking forward to working with ASWAT to serenade the Bay Area with North African-flavored Arabic Music.
The Bay Area’s first taste of Aswat under the direction of Halihal, who brings with him the classical Egyptian repertoire, will be at the de Young Museum on Friday, January 29, 2010 as part of the Cultural Encounters at the de Young and Friday Nights at the de Young. Aswat will be performing as a musical complement to the exhibit on Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, and will showcase the Egyptian influences of North African music.
Friday Nights at the de Young is free and open to all, unless otherwise noted. For more details, please visit de Young’s online event calendar.
Aswat Youth Session II Enrollment Ongoing
Zawaya and the Arab Cultural Center of the Silicon Valley present Aswat Youth Ensemble classes for the Fall ‘09 / Winter ‘10 Season under the direction of Aswat Ensemble musician, Dr. Guilnard Moufarrej. Classes for Session II (January – February 2010) start on Saturday, January 9, 2010 in San Jose. Private lessons in percussion, ‘oud, violin, and nay are also offered. Classes are open to children ages 5 – 18 years old. Aswat Youth Ensemble will be featured in concert on March 2010. To enroll, please fill out the registration form and submit to Zawaya with payment. We are accepting applications now.
Coming Soon: Aswat Performance at ReOrient Forum
Experience the romance and magic of Arabic music with ASWAT in concert at Theater Artaud as part of Golden Thread’s ReOrient Forum.
The concert is on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 4:00 p.m at 450 Florida Street, San Francisco. For more details, please visit http://www.goldenthread.org/reforum.htm.
Tickets are available at Brownpapertickets.
Aswat Performance at SF City Hall a Success
www.arabheritagesf.com
Hosted by the Office of Mayor Gavin Newsom, Aswat performed at the proclamation of San Francisco’s Arab Heritage Month at SF City Hall. With the direction of Guest Musical Director Michael Ibrahim, the Aswat ensemble performed Adduka al-Mayyas, Bil-ladhi Askarra, ‘Ala Baladi al-Mahbub, Tayr al-Wirwar, and Ya Asmar il-lon infront of a crowd of around 600 invited guests.
Aswat Performance at Korematsu Institute on Nov 7
Aswat to perfom at Eid Diwali Party on November 7th
Don’t Miss Upcoming Aswat Performances
Arab Heritage Month Poster taken from http://www.arabheritagesf.com/
In October, see ASWAT perform at the Proclamation Ceremony and Reception of the City and County of San Francisco’s first Arab Heritage Month hosted by The Office of Mayor Gavin Newsom.
Save the date! Thursday, October 8th, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at the Rotunda at San Francisco City Hall.
Visit www.arabheritagesf.com for more details.
Golden Thread's ReOrient Forum. Photo taken from www.goldenthread.org
In December, ASWAT will perform at Theater Artaud as part of Golden Thread’s ReOrient Forum.
The concert is on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 4:00 p.m at 450 Florida Street, San Francisco. For more details, please visit http://www.goldenthread.org/reforum.htm.
See you there!
Now Accepting Applications for Aswat Youth Ensemble Fall ‘09 – Winter ‘10 Session
Aswat Youth Ensemble members of Summer 2009 Session
Zawaya and the Arab Cultural Center of the Silicon Valley present Aswat Youth Ensemble classes for the Fall ‘09 / Winter ‘10 Season under the direction of Aswat Ensemble musician, Dr. Guilnard Moufarrej. Classes start on Saturday, October 17th, 2009 in San Jose. Private lessons in percussion, ‘oud, violin, and nay are also offered. Classes are open to children ages 5 – 18 years old. Aswat Youth Ensemble will be featured in concert on March 2010. To enroll, please fill out the registration form and submit to Zawaya with payment. We are accepting applications now.
Arabic & Iranian Music & Folkloric Dance
Aswat Youth Ensemble
Start Time: 3:00pm
Date: Sunday, June 21st, 2009
Location: Foothill College Theater
12345 El Monte Road,
Los Altos, California 94022
Aswat Ensemble, conducted by Wael Kakish, will perform A Matinee of Arabic & Iranian Music & Folkloric Dance starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 21th, 2009 at the Foothill College Theater, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos, California 94022
Mohammad Nejad
Iranian Virtuoso Mohammed Nejad and his Iranian Music Ensemble
Featuring:
Siamak Pouian- Persian percussionist
Asghar Yousefi-Classical Persian singer with ASWAT ensemble
Aswat Youth Ensemble
Directed by Guilnard Moufarrej
Purchase Tickets online from Brown Paper Tickets starting May 5th, 2009
Ticket Prices
Support $100
Preferred $40
General $20
Student/ Youth/ Seniors $15
Students and senior citizens, please purchase the $20.00 advance ticket. You may receive a $5.00 refund by presenting ID at the door.
Aswat Ensemble
Instrumentalists:
Abdoul Hamid Banaei (Violin)
Kristina BenArab (‘Oud)
Hector Bezanis (Nay, Mijwiz)
Loay Dahbour (Percussion)
Mina Girgis (Violin)
Amina Goodyear (Percussion)
Gregory Hamburg (‘Oud)
Sandy Hollister (Percussion)
Saeed Karbassi (Guitar)
Bashar Kellow (‘Oud)
Sarah Michael (Qanun)
Sara Salzmann Mohan (Violin)
Guilnard Moufarrej (Qanun)
Angela Ramsey (Violin)
Husain Resan (Violin)
Steven Sparapani (Cello)
Amro Younes (Guitar)
Vocalists:
Muhammad Arrabi
Wael Behaissy
Lina Del Roble
Nadia Fattah
Hala Fauzi
Danny Fryer
Nadine Jahchan
Ayman Kozman
Marwan Mero
Rana Mroue
Jose-Antonio Nasser
Dilek Seren
Lily Storm
Christine Stouffer
Gunsu Temirer
A Night of Arabic & Iranian Music
Aswat Ensemble
Title: A Night of Arabic & Iranian Music
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Date: Saturday June 20, 2009
Location: McKenna Theater?, Creative Arts Bldg
1756 Holloway Ave
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 338-2467
Guest Artist: Iranian Virtuoso Mohammed Nejad and his Iranian Music Ensemble.
Aswat Ensemble, conducted by Wael Kakish, will perform A Night of Arabic & Iranian Music starting at 7pm on Saturday, June 20th, 2009 at the Mckenna Theater in the Creative Arts building at San Francisco State University, 1756 Holloway Ave San Francisco, CA 94132.
Mohamed Nejad
Purchase Tickets online from Brown Paper Tickets starting May 5th, 2009
Ticket Prices
Support $100
Preferred $40
General $20
Student/ Youth/ Seniors $15
Students and senior citizens, please purchase the $20.00 advance ticket. You may receive a $5.00 refund by presenting ID at the door.
View Larger Map
Aswat Ensemble
Instrumentalists:
Abdoul Hamid Banaei (Violin)
Kristina BenArab (‘Oud)
Hector Bezanis (Nay, Mijwiz)
Loay Dahbour (Percussion)
Mina Girgis (Violin)
Amina Goodyear (Percussion)
Gregory Hamburg (‘Oud)
Sandy Hollister (Percussion)
Saeed Karbassi (Guitar)
Bashar Kellow (‘Oud)
Sarah Michael (Qanun)
Sara Salzmann Mohan (Violin)
Guilnard Moufarrej (Qanun)
Angela Ramsey (Violin)
Husain Resan (Violin)
Steven Sparapani (Cello)
Amro Younes (Guitar)
Vocalists:
Muhammad Arrabi
Wael Behaissy
Lina Del Roble
Nadia Fattah
Hala Fauzi
Danny Fryer
Nadine Jahchan
Ayman Kozman
Marwan Mero
Rana Mroue
Jose-Antonio Nasser
Dilek Seren
Lily Storm
Christine Stouffer
Gunsu Temirer
Aswat Ensemble
ASWAT
ASWAT Ensemble was founded in the Bay Area in January 2000. Founder Nabila Mango, a Palestinian American cultural activist, has been selflessly dedicated to ASWAT since its inception and, through years of hard work and tireless dedication, has brought together a family of musical ambassadors supportive of her deep love of Arabic music.
In just eight years, ASWAT has transformed itself from an informal community choir to a professional performing group selling out concerts at each of its biannual performances. Born simply from the desire to sing, ASWAT has become an anchor in the Bay Area Arab American musical scene.
The very act of singing itself preserves musical legacies dating back thousands of years, and celebrates songs that express the essential soul of Arab culture. ASWAT’s growth is itself an accomplishment, taking place in the shadow of hate crimes and mounting hostilities aimed at Arabs and Muslims following the 911 tragedy.
ASWAT has enabled musicians to learn and expand their knowl edge of Arabic classical and folk music. It is a forum in which both Arab and American musicians alike form bonds with each other through a shared experience. For the Arab-American ASWAT members, the group is an affirmative collective where they can experience their culture as a living thing that not only brings them pride but serves as a conduit for inviting others to appreciate their often maligned and misunderstood heritage.
ASWAT welcomes anyone who is interested or even curious about Arabic music to learn more by contacting ASWAT at: join@zawaya.org or nabila@zawaya.org.
Nabila Mango: Founder and Director
Jose-Antonio Nasser: Internet Administrator
Danny Fryer and Nabila Mango: Arabic Language Teachers
Aswat Ensemble
About the Music and the Instruments
Aswat Ensemble performs classical and folk songs from various Arab countries. The ensemble plays traditional musical instruments such as the qanun (trapezoidal zither), ‘ud (lute), nay (reed flute), Kaman (violin), riqq/daff (tambourine), tar and darbukkah/tablah (goblet drum). The program features a number of songs using different maqamat (modes). The performance includes muwashsha hat, and songs of major artists in Egypt and Lebanon of the 19th and 20th centuries such as Fairuz, Abdel Halim Hafiz, Abdel Wahab, Um Kulthum. The ensemble also performs folk songs from Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, and the Arabian Gulf.
GLOSSARY
Debke – linedancing in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria.
Darbukkah – goblet shape hand drum
Maqam (maqamat) – mode; an Arab system of pitch or ganization that allows for the construction of melodies and improvisation (taqseem) within a scale.
Muwashshah – a “postclassical” singing form not rigidly governed by the qasidah, originated in the Middle East, and integrated into the music of AlAndalus in the 10th Century
Qad Halabi – a folkloric song based on the melody of an other regional folk song, especially Turkish or unknown older Arabic songs.
Qadim – old (unknown composer)
Qasidah – a poem set to music consisting of 1025 or more lines of poetry Riqq – fish skin tambourine Taqsim – nonmetric improvisation played in a maqam
‘Ud – Arabic style fretless lute
Viewers Write about 2009 Concerts
Dear Nabila,
I wanted to express how impressed and grateful I was to attend the Aswat concert at San Francisco State University. I was so excited to go but had no idea what to expect. As I sat there in the audience, I thought, ‘everyone should see this!’ As a non-Arab, so many questions flooded my mind. I wanted to know why the singing was put through a filter effect (?) with some of the men or with everyone. The mens’ voices were hauntingly beautiful: the singers’ voices and talent reached my soul. I just felt happy, alive and grateful listening to it all.
I wondered why the music resonated with me so deeply as I have no other connection to the culture than just loving the music and dance. I don’t even understand the words but am left transported anyway. I wondered about the history of the pieces and about the instruments and the music schools, the method of instruction…
When the Persian group came out to perform I also had no idea what to expect and my date and I were left speechless and breathless. Siamak was so amazing! It was the first time I thought of human fingers as instruments in their own right! I bought a CD of his and of Aswat’s and played them for my friends and roommates and blabbed on an on about how amazing the concert was. They were amazed at what they heard.
I’ve still been wondering how I can get more of my friends and colleages who may never have heard middle-eastern music to see this concert. I also cannot forget the girl who spoke parts of her song. It was the first time I’d heard the language like that, like it was music. I think she was speaking Farsi. I lived with an Iranian girl years ago who spoke Farsi but I’d never heard the language sound like that. Whatever she was speaking was so captivating it made me want to listen her tell a story or recite poetry just like that for hours. My date and I were leaning forward in our seats the whole time she was up there to get closer to it! That was what I guess I was left wanting, a desire to somehow get closer to the music.
I was grateful to be able to see such a show and to experience such exceptional talent. It wasn’t commercial so it felt more accessible, more real. I thought that if people heard these sounds and saw this talent it would break down many misunderstandings between cultures. I couldn’t believe I could see something like that at SFSU and I just wished the group could be presenting in several locations with bigger audiences around the States!
I am still filled with inspiration from the concert and thank you, Nabila, for all your belief and hard work to bring this exceptional group together. I would be honored to help find another venue for a similar concert to take place. I want my friends to get to see something this fresh and magnificent. It would be different for them, uplifting and broadening.
I thank you and all of your performers and supporters for helping to make the concert a reality. I can’t WAIT to hear about new and upcoming performances! Once again, please extend my utmost gratitude and appreciation to the entire Aswat Ensemble.
In gratitude,
Allison Kenny
Dear Ms. Mango: I attended this Aswat’s Winter Concert at Skyline College on the 24th of January, and could not have been more impressed with the organization, content and quality of the musicians. There were 4 members of my group, who were also pleased and impressed with the concert. The time passed too quickly, and then it was finished! We could have stayed another hour. I must also tell you that bringing people together from all parts of the Middle East and the United States to play this beautiful music unites us all in common beauty of the music in our lives. Playing music together and listening to it tends to unite us on the better side of our humanity. Hopefully, the negative stereotypes of Arabic Peoples by some Americans will be reduced with the music from the Arabic heart. It’s important to show more than just one dimension of ones culture, and Aswat’s Winter Concert certainly accomplished this goal! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Grazie! -Angelo D. Izzo Prof. of American History
Dearest Haya, Pardon me for answering so very late to your so very kind and loving praise when, in fact, I was having a perfectly wonderful time, as usual ! You are the one who must be thanked for your enormous patience and grace! If I may suggest 2 things:While I helped Ercan & the other volunteers at the intermission, the cookies & candies sold like the proverbial hot cakes & we could not take the money fast enough! Would you like me to help organize those folks who can & like to bake, to bring home made goodies to sell next time? By the looks of it,it should be a great money making gig,and I will be happy to deal with it. Also I wonder if it would be appropriate for me to donate some of the jewelry, keychains etc I make ( they have north african & middle eastern motifs) to sell with the cds & books ? Let me know & I’ll get it all together Inshallah ! The friends I brought to this, yet again marvelous concert, are still taking about it. Soon we’ll need a bigger venue!!! Much love to you Habibti & a million thanks to all the musicians & volunteers for their fabulous effort. -Amal Crespo
Dear Nabila, ASWAT production was fantastic – Congratulations! Um Kalthoom and the director were amazing. When is your next ASWAT concert?
-Sam HADDAD
Dear Nabila, I attended Aswat’s performance last Saturday and since then I have been meaning to write and thank you and all those that are involved in putting such a beautiful and wonderful performance. Aswat truly flourished under your directions. Since 2000 I have attended many of Aswat’s performances and by far Last Saturday’s performance was the best and most enjoyable that I have seen. It is the first time I have attended an Arabic music concert that had a formal conductor. Mr. Sari Dowidar is talented in many ways and added very much to the concert. The concert was well organized and I was happy to see that it was also well attended. Even the program exceeded my expectations and it was wonderful to see the Arabic writing and followed by the English translations. It was a wonderful evening that I will always remember. I thank you all and wish continuous success in the years to come.
-Bader
Nabila, I think it was my favorite ASWAT concert so far last Saturday. The musical director really did a bang up job. My parents loved it as well. They left with big grins on their faces!
-ANDREW ROTH
Hi Nabila, Ya3teeky alf 3afyeh, the concert was wonderful, great, I loved it.
-Samer
Thanks Nabila, Great show as usual. I was glad to attend and be a part (albeit small) of it. This concert is phenomenal in that it’s a rare presentation of authentic Arab culture, a show of its richness, beauty and diversity. I feel both pleased and proud when I attend every year as I’m sure the audience do. thank you. See you soon.
-Wael elbhassi
Salaamaat min Botswana: Madeleine, my two daughters and my grandson attended the concert and told me they were ABSOLUTELY THRILLED with a fantastic and exhilarating experience. I am sorry I missed out. Congratulations!
-Antoine
Dear Nabila, We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the past Saturday’s Aswat concert. The music was exceptional and a lot of fun. This is the first time we have attended an Arabic music concert and we were very impressed and would like to thank you for starting this organization. -Jumana and Shabbir Latif
Salaam Nabila, hope you are doing well! btw you and the volunteers did a FANTASTIC job on the aswat concert the other night. my wife and i really enjoyed it!!! we had a really nice time and I’m glad that i was able to meet br. sary while he was visiting us. he’s such a lovely man. see you soon! -yusuf
Dear Haya, It is us who should be thanking you for your great organization, keen sense of detail, sweet kindness, and heartfelt giving. As the director said, your gentle touch was very much present at all times. Thanks for allowing me to help, even in a minuscule way. Thank you for your leadership and acknowledgment. We are definitely blessed to be around you!
Best regards, -Amira Abedrabbo
The event was lots of fun, congratulations for a great event. We may even need a bigger venue next time, I’m planning to bring all my friends in the future.
Good luck,
-Rasha Dessouki (Bay area arabic school gift coordinator)
I would like to recognize and congratulate the show that ASWAT performed on Saturday! Wow it was very well done, lively, upbeat, sold out and all the audience liked it with standing ovation! This was my 2nd time, and it’s nice to see this young group evolve to be a well-credited professional musical group! Great job! looking forward when the CD is up; (Or when it’s posted free on youtube for a wider reach!!). It was also enchanting to see the community of the Bay Area. A lot of thanks went to Nabila Mango, the “driving force” as she was described. Bravo!
-Mohamad
Hi Nabila, First of all, thank you for inviting us as your guests. We are honored by this. As I said to you at your home, – I was amazed. The community ensemble effort is large, complex and difficult — as you know — but you and all the others have pulled it off in a great way. At this special time — after Gaza — and even in this generally difficult time for the Arab people and culture, this concert means so much on so many levels. Watching non-Arabs and Arabs come together to learn and present the very difficult material and music that was selected — was joyful. Your continuing perseverance to find grants and bring a guest conductor who obviously pulled the ensemble together in his way is to be noted and appreciated…. The youth presentations were strong and powerful. The dedication to the Gazan children brought us both to tears. Both of us, as musicians in our childhood, know the importance of music in our lives, of public performances and the significance of these unforgettable moments. I can guarantee you, the youth presentations will be indelible in our memories–as well as those of many others who were in attendance and most certainly the children themselves.
Dr. Sary is very talented, dedicated, sincere and has a wonderful conducting style — a strong leader. It is very challenging to work with amateurs (using the elevated definition and Latin root of the word: love) but such great fulfillment comes from it — and his message was that — fulfillment. How great that you could bring him here to give ASWAT another experience with another conductor!! Please receive these comments in the most positive way as Georges and I both enjoyed Saturday night’s concert thoroughly!!
The audience enjoyed it — and we enjoyed the audience (!) — both as observers within it and being part of FULL HOUSE of very attentive listeners. We applaud your efforts and your continuing success with Aswat and Zawaya.
The Arab culture is rich, complex and beautiful — your work makes a difference in the American landscape….we are all learning!!! Again, many thanks, Nabila and for the lovely “after party” — we were so happy to be among so many of our old friends and colleagues.
Sincerely,
-Jeanette & Georges Lammam
Nabila, Nabila, Nabila!!
What a night and what a woman you are to have done all of this over the years. Claudia told me about your idea and your struggle over the years to get volunteers. Amazing! You are truly an inspiration and a source of pride for your friends and your community. You have created such a cultural cross-ver, one of kinship and cooperation. What a coup in getting the grant for the maestro to come from Egypt; he was amazing. The entire group sounded very professional. Also, the children were so cute and talented. And the Persian musician playing the santour was a special treat for me. I certainly look forward to your collaboration with him for the concert of classical Persian and Arab music; for that you’ll need a space twice the size of the Skyline venue as the Persian community is very large, as you know, and I will help get the word out.Overall–an enjoyable and inspiring evening.
Thanks so much.
-Michele
