MARCEL KHALIFÉ

“[the] artists soared…resembling the swirling, interlaced, endlessly fascinating richness of Arabic calligraphy” Los Angeles Times

The music of Lebanese virtuoso oud player Marcel Khalifé is a spiritual oasis in the midst of the violence wracking the Middle East. For one night only, Thursday 24 April, Khalifé will bring to the Sydney Opera House a joyous evening of inspirational music and lyrics.

This celebrated composer, improviser, singer and master of the ancient oud - the unfretted Arabic ancestor of the European lute - is a true cultural ambassador for the Arab nations and their rich cultural heritage. 

Providing his war-ravaged nation with hope and comfort, Khalifé hopes that his concerts proffer a different view of a region torn by sectarian strife. His music enables the listener to experience the depth and range of contemporary Arabic culture awash with beauty, poetry, song and spirit.

Throughout his 30-year career, Khalifé has been a relentless innovator, deftly infusing modern Arabic classical music with flamenco, jazz and traditional folk material whilst expanding the techniques of his beloved oud.

“I believe the music of different cultures enriches each other's, so I don't see a separation between our music, western classical music and jazz, Khalifé said.  It's up to musicians everywhere to do their part to promote a greater understanding between peoples."

Khalifé’s extraordinary career has at once been celebrated as well as censored and attacked by Christians, Muslims and Jews alike. In his homeland he is seen as an outspoken proponent of freedom of expression.  Consistently opposed to civil infighting, he has performed in such diverse venues as bombed-out buildings during the Lebanese civil war to the Royal Festival Hall in London.  

These days Khalife is exiled in Paris. His passionate defense of the rights of Palestinians, his condemnation of extremists, and the inclusion of excerpts of the Koran in his lyrics has ensured his reputation for free thinking and fearlessness in the face of controversy. He is banned in Tunisia, was tried for blasphemy by a Lebanese court and was denounced by Bahraini parliamentarians for “encouraging debauchery.”  

The concert will consist of two distinct musical presentations: one 60-minute instrumental excerpt from his award-winning CD Taqasim (2006), followed by a vocal presentation inspired by the poetry of the Arab world's most eminent poet Mahmoud Darwish.

Classically trained, Khalifé, 57, rose to prominence in the 1970s and won a huge, devoted following across the Arab world. His remarkable body of music includes compositions for solo oud, orchestral works, film scores, ballets and his tremendously popular songs.  His original song lyrics have seen him frequently referred to as both the Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger of the Middle East.

Khalifé’s most recent recording, Taqasim won the L'Académie Charles Cros Award Album of the Year in 2007 (the European equivalent of the Grammy’s for World Music), and in 2005 UNESCO named him an International Artist for Peace.

Marcel Khalifé transcends nationalities, tastes, and trends. This is a rare chance to be enthralled and uplifted by the eloquence and heartfelt delivery of this inimitable composer’s songs of strength, camaraderie and plea for peace.