A Symphonic Tribute to Abdelwahab Comes to the West End

This November, a one-night-only performance honouring the work of Mohamed Abdelwahab, the father of modern Arabic music, will take place at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Bringing together the talents of award-winning soprano Fatma Said, conductor Nader Abbassi and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, the performance will pay homage to the man and the inspirations behind his immortal heritage of beautiful music.

As one of the most famous figures in Egyptian and Arabic music history, Mohamed Abdelwahab was a singer, composer and actor whose career spanned seven decades. His influence can be felt worldwide. He revolutionised classical Arabic musical structures into modern styles, collaborated with and mentored the region’s superstar singers, including Umm Kulthum and Abdel Halim Hafez. He also acted as a musical bridge between the Middle East and the West through incorporating Western instruments, rhythms and styles into his compositions.

Guided by the perspective of The Abdelwahab Estate and expertise of producer Mona Khashoggi’s in reviving cultural stories from the Middle East for international audiences, the curated programme will include Abdelwahab’s own songs and his compositions for other legendary Arab artists. Offering vocal performances from Fatma Said and instrumental performances by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, the format will celebrate Abdelwahab’s unique fusion of cultures and his appreciation for classical music.

In addition to his contributions to classical music, Abdelwahab made significant cultural contributions to Arabic and Middle Eastern cinema. Working as a producer, film composer and actor, his filmography includes El Warda Al Baida (The White Rose, 1933), the first true talkie of Arabic cinema, and making an iconic cameo appearance in Ghazal Al Banat (The Flirtation of Girls, 1949), performing his song “Asheq El Rouh”.

Fatma Said, performer, comments, Abdelwahab played a very big role in my life since my childhood and has had a very big influence on my classical music career. I’m very excited to collaborate with the Abdelwahab family on this very exciting project that will introduce his music in a new light, introducing Abdelwahab and Opera together.

Mona Khashoggi, producer, comments, My speciality has been reviving cultural stories from the Middle East and bringing them to international audiences and the young generation. My passion has always been to promote the art, culture and music of the Middle East. After having successfully produced and wrote the West End musical: Umm Kulthum & The Golden Era, which premiered at The London Palladium in March 2020 and touring for its 5th year, it is with pleasure that I co-produce this unique concert with the Abdelwahab Estate that features Fatma Said and Nader Abbassi.

Omar Khalil, Head of The Abdelwahab Estate, comments, Bringing Abdelwahab’s music to London through the eyes and ears of his family is a dream come true. And doing so at the iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane with Fatma Said, Nader Abbassi, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and Mona Khashoggi makes it a little extra special. Abdelwahab held classical music very close to his heart and we are filled with excitement to present his music in a symphonic way while maintaining the identity of his timeless compositions.

Main Image: Artwork by Abdelwahab

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