Congratulations to Huda Al-Tamimi, Convenor of the CAIS Arabic program, for securing funding to bring the world-class traditional Arabic troupe to Australia.

The pioneering Oxford Maqam comprises of vocalists and musicians who are renowned experts in their field of Egyptian music and song of the 19th and 20th centuries. Their self-made album, described as ‘revolutionary’ by Songlines magazine, used recording techniques from over one hundred years ago. Whilst the Arabic music scene is filled with innovators of popular music, Oxford Maqam are innovators of classical Arabic music. Their recovery and revival of heritage works is a highly original process, and their concerts offer a rare opportunity to experience live renditions of a music steeped in Arab heritage. The project promotes the understanding of Arabic culture and history in Australia through an interactive introduction to Arabic music by professional ethnomusicologists of 19th-20th century Arabic music originating in Egypt. This encompasses two concerts to be held at the University of Sydney and ANU, as well as a proposed workshop at ANU designed to provide an educational experience for students.

Concert dates

   ANU Concert: ANU Llewelyn Hall, 26 March 2019
 
   Sydney Concert: Great Hall Sydney University, 29 March 2019

Showcasing Traditional Arabic Culture Through Music has received grant funding from the Council for Australian-Arab Relations of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.; The ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies; The ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, The ANU Research School of Social Sciences,  and the ANU Humanities Research Centre.