The Art of Maqam on violin and qanun by Nidaa Abou Mrad

March 2019 - A concert by the Antonine University Classical Arabic Music Ensemble under the direction of Nidaa Abou Mrad was held at the Sursock Museum in collaboration with Banque BEMO.

Nidaa Abou Mraad, violin and kemantsheh and Ghassan Sahhab, qanun were joined on stage by Rafka Rizk, chanting. The concert consisted of three instrumental music sequences in main maqams of classical Arabic music tradition, with composed and improvised pieces in the style of the Nahda era, and followed by a short recapitulation of ancient vocal and instrumental music of the Levant.

In its continuous support to Music, Banque BEMO invited underprivileged children through the related NGOs to attend the concert; thus, aiming to make the music accessible to all.

Following the concert, Mr. Abou Mrad signed his album "4000 years of Music in the Levant" - published by the Antonine University with the support of Banque BEMO.