The Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble will present a wide range of classics during its fall concert on Saturday, Nov. 14.
A suite will open the program with the instrumental “dulab” and “samai” genres rooted in the Ottoman Empire. Vocal pieces will follow, including “Yamurru `Ujban” (He Passes by Uncannily), an example of the “muwashshah” genre which arose in 10th-century Andalusia, and in this case features a 32-beat metric mode.
The show will also feature a much-loved contemporary song from Morocco, an esteemed piece from Greece, and megahits from Egypt and Lebanon. Instrumental improvisation will be interspersed throughout the show.
Nationally acclaimed guest artists will join the ensemble, including Ishmael on qanun (zither), Rafid Yalda on nay (reed flute), and Faisal Zedan on riqq (tambourine), daff (frame drum) and darbukka (goblet drum).
San Luis Obispo dance director Jenna Mitchell will lead the dance troupe in original choreography that dialogues with the music, continuing an ongoing collaboration that began shortly after the Arab Music Ensemble's founding in 2006.
Tickets are available at the Cal Poly Ticket Office from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To order by phone, call 805-SLO-4TIX (805-756-4849).
The event is sponsored by Cal Poly’s Music Department, College of Liberal Arts and Instructionally Related Activities program.
