Asil Ensemble Breathes New Life Into Traditional Arabic Music In UAE Premiere At Abu Dhabi Festival 2014

As a part of ADF 2014’s Bayt Al Farabi, The Asil Ensemble for Arab Contemporary Music launches the Festival’s main programme with opening recital at the Abu Dhabi Theatre

Launching the Abu Dhabi Festival 2014’s main programme, organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), with their UAE premiere, The Asil Ensemble for Arab Contemporary Music captured the spirit of the Festival last night with a performance that drew upon the cultural heritage of the region and made it relevant to audiences today. Renowned for creating contemporary works infused with classical Arabic heritage, The Asil Ensemble honoured the legacy of Abu Nasr Muhammad Al Farabi, the great 9th century musician, philosopher and scientist, to whom the Abu Dhabi Festival pays homage to every year through its ‘Bayt Al Farabi’ series.

The concert was presented in association with the Foundation for Arab Music Archiving & Research (AMAR), with whom the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundations signed a strategic partnership agreement prior to the concert. The two entities seek to collaborate on joint initiatives that further the preservation and advocacy of traditional Arabic Music.

Last night, following a minute’s silence in memory of The Voice of Lebanon, Wadi El Safi, who passed away in December, The Asil Ensemble began their quest to bring traditional Arabic music back to life through a night of vocal recitation and instrumental taqsim. By preserving the origins of Arabic music, the unique ensemble is playing an important role in the continuing evolution of this skilled artistic discipline, moving it forward for younger generations to appreciate.

Following the performance, H.E. Hoda I. Al Khamis - Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “The Asil Ensemble’s philosophy to uphold the age-old and honourable music tradition of the Eastern Mediterranean, allowing for interpretation and self-development, is one that runs deep with the Festival’s own philosophy.

“The exploration of musical and creative expression is synonymous with the search for authenticity, and is interlinked with our cultural heritage. In a world that is fast-paced, challenging, this form of contemplative musical exploration should never be undervalued.”

Founded in 2003, The Asil Ensemble for Arab Contemporary Music is an innovative music initiative rooted in two forms of musical expression: improvisations on composed pieces and instant improvisation of other works through vocal recitation and instrumental taqsim. When their album ‘Roubaiyat Al Khayyam’ was released in 2008, it was widely hailed as a milestone in the development of Arabic music. Since then, The Asil Ensemble has performed for audiences across Morocco, Armenia and Switzerland.

The Abu Dhabi Festival’s 11th edition under this year’s theme ‘Creative Innovation’ is the UAE’s premiere cultural event; bringing the best in international and regional dance, opera, music, and visual arts to the Emirates each year. The Festival began on the 2nd March with its nationwide education and community programmes. Its main programme of performances by Herbie Hancock, Renée Fleming, Milo Karadaglić, the American Ballet Theatre, European Union Youth Orchestra, Michel Fadel and others runs until the 31st March, with Bill Fontana’s World Premier Exhibition continuing until 20th April.

Information on tickets, schedules, venues and upcoming performances can be found on the festival website: www.abudhabifestival.ae.

Emirate:  Abu Dhabi

Date: Mar 18, 2014

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