Join vocalists Najla al-Arabi and Sami Abu Shumays for a special evening exploring the timeless artistry of Umm Kulthum, one of the most influential voices in Arabic music history. This interactive workshop focuses on two iconic songs from her repertoire: Alf Leyla wa Layla and Awidti Eini ala Ru'yak

Umm Kulthum's "Long Songs" are some of the richest pieces of musical repertoire in any tradition - 40+ minute vocal pieces of symphonic scope, exploring a range of maqamat and emotional states, with deep themes of passion and heartache.

We are grateful to the amazing musicians who will be joining Najla al-Arabi and Sami Abu Shumays- they are making this a kind of open rehearsal/jam/workshop where you can hear them develop a deeper knowledge of the songs, and get to know them better yourself, as they repeat verses and add variations...and strive, together with you, for that deeper state of musical ecstasy known as Tarab.

Insia Malik, Sarah Mueller & Megumi Saruhashi: violins
Zafer Tawil: qanun
Gideon Forbes: nay & saxophone
Gabe Lavin: oud
Josh Farrar: electric guitar
Eric Alle: cello
Sprocket Royer: bass
Johnny Farraj & Alber Baseel: percussion

The Umm Kalthum Workshop

The Umm Kalthum Workshop