Dash Arts & the Barbican present
A Tribute to Oum Kalsoum
Barbican
"Imagine a singer with the virtuosity of Ella Fitzgerald, the public persona of Eleanor Roosevelt and the audience of Elvis and you have Oum Kalsoum, the most accomplished singer of her century in the Arab world." Virginia Danielson, author of The Voice of Egypt: Oum Kalsoum, Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the Twentieth Century
A celebration of the artistry and the ongoing importance of the Arab world’s most iconic cultural figure, the legendary Egyptian singer Oum Kalsoum, (d.1975), this event will include two major concerts with guest appearances from some of the greatest classical orchestras and singers from around the Arabic region in a collaboration with major figures from Western pop, jazz and electronica.
Oum Kalsoum was a remarkable performer whose voice is lauded for its astonishing range and tone. Her personal history is the stuff of legend, she was a personal favourite of President Nasser and her funeral was attended by over 4 million mourners. Universally loved, she is one of the few cultural icons that acts as a bridge across the entire Arab world.
We will celebrate the many facets of her music and life by bringing the best performers of her music from the Arabic world to London, and to show the scope of her influence are commissioning well-known contemporary musicians from pop, jazz and rock to create a unique gala tribute to Oum Kalsoum.
Alongside these special international commissions, audiences will be able to enjoy a complementary programme of films, live music and talks.
Full details of this event are to be announced.
Barbican
Silk Street
London EC2Y 8DS
