The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation hosted a gala musical concert by Sukoon Music Group on Friday, October 28, 2022, where the band performed a selection of memorable Arabic songs for two hours for a wide audience of music lovers and culture enthusiasts, who flocked to attend the “A Journey with Melodies of Yore” event.
The group, which performs a wide array of classic Arab music, used a variety of string and wind instruments -accompanied by drums and the tambourine- to play an exquisite selection of classic Arabic songs from Egypt, the Levant, Iraq and the Arabian Gulf. The program of the concert began with a muwashshahat segment, which included “Murr Al Tajanni” (Bitter is the Accusation); “Afdihi Thabyan” (I’d give my life for the sake of this Gazelle), “Ya Nas Ana” (O ye people I) and “Ya Mariya” (O Maria), in addition to a number of famous songs like “Ala Einy” (Your Wish is My Command), “She’oori Nahyetak” (My Feelings for You) and “Aw’ati Betehlaw” (My Times are Sweeter with You) by late singer Warda, “I’tazalt Al Gharam” (I Resign from Love) by Majida El Roumi, “Ala Allah Teoud” (May You Return Someday) by Wadi Al Safi, “Mestanniyak” (Waiting for you) by Aziza Galal, “Ana Albi Daleely” (My Heart is My Guide) by Laila Murad, “Galo Tara” (They Said) by Abbadi Al Johar, “Oyun Al Qalb” (Eyes of the Heart) by Najat Al Sagheera, “Murni” (Pass by Me) by Abdul Karim Abdul Qadir and “Is’al Rohak” (Ask yourself) by Umm Kulthum, as well as a selection of qudud halabiya from Maqam Al Saba and the heritage song “Asl Al Gharam” (The Origin of Love).
The concert featured Dr. Abboud Nassir Agha (oud player), Nadir Diyarbakerli (violinist), Lydia Shepherd (violinist), Naram Rashid (violinist), Ahmed Jarour ( qanun player), Amjad Al Jarmani (nai/ pan flute player), Amjad Makarim (percussionist), Khalid Mani (percussionist), Rimaz Uqbi (vocalist and flutist) in addition to vocalists Tala Zeino, Ranad Naddaf, Laith Atasi and Sama Al Taei.
It is worth mentioning that this is the first time the band performs on the prestigious theatre of Al Owais Cultural Foundation, which has hosted leading Arab and international musical bands during the past quarter of a century. Sukoon had made their debut at the American University in Sharjah, where they performed their very early concerts and established their key features. The group also performed at a number of local theatres and held many successful concerts that were met with great acclaim.
At the conclusion of the musical evening, Dr. Fatima Al Sayegh, Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Owais Cultural Foundation, presented the band with a commemorative shield and thanked its members for preserving the authenticity of Arab musical heritage by reviving the memorable music that lives within the souls of the Arab nation.
The Magic of Arab Musical Heritage Awakens at Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation with Sukoon Musical Group
