Iraqi Symphony Orchestra to perform at Al Gomhouria Theater

CAIRO – 6 November 2017: The Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra will perform at Al Gomhuria Theater on Tuesday as part of the 26th Arab Music Festival that kicked off on November 1.

Conducted by the Iraqi maestro Mohammed Amin Ezzat, the orchestra also includes the soloist Forat Qaddouri on the qanoun [Oriental string instrument].

Qaddouri is one of the most influential qanoun players in the Middle East; he adds magical artistic dimensions to qanoun melodies. He is also known for mixing qanoun with other western music genres such as jazz and Latin music.

Qaddouri is influenced by Iraqi folk music that is reflected in his music compositions.
Appreciating the gentle attractive sounds of the qanoun, Qaddouri released two solo albums: “Qanoun Ma Bain Al Nahrain” [Qanun Between the Two Rivers], and “Baghdadi Jazz” [Jazz from Baghdad].

Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest orchestras in the Middle East that was established more than 100 years ago.

Due to the 2003 war in Iraq, the country’s musical library suffered from destruction and thefts; however the orchestra managed to continue its artistic performance.

The 26th Arab Music Festival features 84 Arab musicians who are partaking in the festival, which is dedicated to honoring the iconic singer, Mohsen Farouk, running between November 1 and November 15.

Eight Arab countries lead performances in six theaters including the Cairo Opera House, Arabic Music Institute, Alexandria Opera House, and Damanhour Opera House.

The musicians and singers participating in this edition include Medhat Saleh, Mohamed El Helw, Ali El Haggar, Nadia Mostafa, Lotfi Bushnaq, Abdallah Al Rowaished, Mohamed Tharwat, Hany Shaker and Safwan Bahlawan among others.