Alwan For The Arts is proud to host

AMIR EL-SAFFAR

who will lead a

WORKSHOP ON IRAQI MAQAM

Sunday, October 16, 1:00-5:00 PM
Fee: $60

The Maqam of Iraq is a highly-sophisticated classical music form that has played a vital role in both secular and religious aspects of Iraqi society for many centuries. This urban vocal tradition, which is unique in the Arab world, contains elements that reach deep into Iraq's heritage and history. Performed primarily in Baghdad, Mosul, Kirkuk, and Basra, the Iraqi Maqam draws upon musical traditions of the geographical area of present-day Iraq and its neighboring lands. Melodies of Arab, Persian, Turkish, Kurdish, and Turkoman origins are woven together into a cohesive repertoire of elaborate, semi-improvised compositions, known as maqamat, which are organized according to strict rules of structure and aesthetics of beauty.
The focus of this workshop will be on the Maqam tradition of Baghdad, which contains about sixty Maqamat, each of which has a unique form and spirit. In performance, a Maqam is always followed by a popular song, known as a Pesteh, which creates a light-hearted, joyful mood, in contrast the heavy, contemplative nature of the Maqam.

In this workshop, intended for musicians and non-musicians alike, Amir ElSaffar will give an overview of the Maqam system, show how melodies form individual compositions, and teach participants some of the maqam melodies as well as some of the Pesteh repertoire. This workshop is a rare opportunity to learn about this rich and unique musical tradition and a chance to expand one's musical listening and appreciation skills.

REGISTRATION:

Please contact Taoufiq Ben Amor for registration.
For questions on the workshop, please contact Amir El-Saffar
Checks should be payable to Alwan For the Arts. you may pay also in cash the day of the workshop.

Last updated: 2008-01-11 06:08:52