Evento

Lubana Al Quntar and Al Sham Ensemble

Lubana Al Quntar, Syrian Classical Arabic and Western Opera singer, returns to Michigan with Al Sham Ensemble for "A Celebration of Arabic Classical and Folk Music" at Wayne County Community College. The concert is a special presentation that is part of a global music series curated by the college to celebrate the diversity of the surrounding communities.

Lubana Al Quntar has a heritage deeply rooted in classical Arabic music. She is related to the singer and actress Amal Al Atrash (known by her stage name, Asmahan), whose brother was the renowned composer and singer Farid Al Atrash. Such influences shaped her musical path playing an important role in her career as a professional singer. In addition to traditional Arabic song, Lubana studied Western opera and became the first Syrian opera singer to attain international recognition appearing in concerts throughout Europe. Lubana returned to Syria to head the Department of Opera Singing and also launched the Department of Classical Arabic Singing at the Syrian National Conservatory, a momentous opportunity allowing students in Syria to study for the first time both operatic and traditional singing at an accredited institution. She came to the United States in 2012 and has since had numerous notable performances including a concert for Syrian refugee children at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and the Arab Women in Music concert with the National Arab Orchestra of Michigan.

Al Sham Ensemble is a traditional takht sharqi (Middle Eastern chamber ensemble) comprised of artists residing in Chicago and Michigan with backgrounds from Syria, Egypt, Palestine, and Jordan. The ensemble performs a repertoire of Middle Eastern, Egyptian, and Andalusian classical and folk music on a combination of traditional and Western instruments including the oud, qanoun, nay, violin, cello, and percussion.