The Fujairah Fine Arts Academy is gearing up to host the second edition of the Fujairah International Oud Forum under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
Scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, the three-day forum will bring together the most skilled and talented oud players from the UAE, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia, presenting a delightful showcase of their musical expertise through a blend of classic and contemporary melodies.
The musical event will commence with an operetta titled “Ziryab’s Journey,” depicting the life journey of Abu Al Hasan bin Ali bin Nafi’ Al Mawsili (789-857), famously known as Ziryab. The operetta will offer a captivating narrative, shedding light on Ziryab’s life from his childhood and tracing his path until his arrival in Andalusia.
Ziryab gained widespread recognition in Arabic and Oriental music due to the captivating sweetness of his voice, the eloquence of his speech, and his dark complexion. His nickname “Ziryab” was inspired by the sweet, black bird known as the blackbird, symbolizing these remarkable qualities.
Beyond his substantial impact on Arabic music, the legendary musician also pioneered the establishment of a set of customs and protocols governing polite behaviour, an art now recognized as “etiquette”. His pivotal role acted as a crucial link in disseminating aspects of Islamic and Eastern civilization to Andalusia and subsequently to Europe and the wider world.
This year’s forum will honour the esteemed Iraqi artist Khalid Mohammed Ali, one of the most important composers and oud player in Iraq and the wider Arab world. His extremely refined playing combines great dexterity, knowledge of the Iraqi and Arab classical repertoires, a modern approach and a mastery of improvisation.
He was a nominee for the prestigious Ziryab Prize. Renowned for his significant contributions to Iraqi music, Khalid Mohammed Ali is celebrated for his mastery in playing and composing for the oud. He stands as one of the pioneers in composing musical pieces for the oud, string quartet, and symphony orchestra. His artistic achievements have previously garnered international awards and certificates of appreciation, acknowledging his profound artistic contributions.
The Fujairah Fine Arts Academy is dedicated to nurturing and developing fine arts and creativity and artistic excellence academically by offering a comprehensive approach to the arts across all age groups. The Academy also aims to develop artistic talents, fostering innovation and guiding artists toward excellence by providing robust theoretical, practical and educational knowledge in the field.
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the Academy organizes art exhibitions and cultural events, offering the public an opportunity to explore and appreciate the works of emerging artists and talents.
Acknowledging the significance of the oud as a musical instrument in both Arab and Western music, the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy introduced the Oud Peace Orchestra last year, marking a pioneering initiative in both the UAE and the broader Arab region.
The unique orchestra comprises acclaimed oud players from various Arab nations. Led by artist Ali Obaid Al Hefaiti, the orchestra commenced its inaugural performances by participating in the first edition of the Fujairah International Oud Forum last year.
