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The program
Arabesque is a multimedia performance/presentation designed for kids/students from pre-school through college.
It's a highly flexible program that is tailored to specific audiences depending on their demographics (Age, Ethnicity, Language spoken, Music literacy....)
Arabesque can also be adapted for family/intergenerational settings in the community.
Arabesque has been presented by Xauen Music around the US since 2002.
Arabesque is a cultural experience that interweaves live music with geographical and historical background information that contributes to the students’ appreciation of Arabic culture. Host institutions may choose to enhance the presentation with costume displays, art exhibits, handicrafts, and foods of the region.
The Arabesque concept is being expanded with a summer camp for young people (ages 8-14) which will offer hand-on instruction in traditional Arabic instruments and voice. This family-oriented camp will be modeled on the successful Heartland Seminar on Arabic Music which was held in Wisconsin in March 2005.
Arabesque could be presented in three different languages : English, Arabic, and french
The content
- The cultural context (Arab countries, Language...)
- A short talk/lecture about the cultural backdrop for the works being performed (using maps, slides, video clips, Multimedia as appropriate)
- An explanation of the genres of classical Arabic music (Folk, Andalusian Music, Classical, Vocal...)
- Basics of Arabic music theory: rhythms (iqa’at) and maqams (modes); introduction to quarter-tones; audience-participation practice of percussive rhythms
- Discussion of the instruments—their history and design—and demonstration of playing techniques (qanun: stringed, played by plucking; violin: stringed, played by bowing; percussion: played by striking)
- Biographies of the major composers of Arabic music
- Performance of folk and classical Arabic music from the North African, Sephardic, Egyptian, and Levantine repertoire (Hicham Chami and one or more additional musicians, playing qanun, flute/ney, hand drums, violin, ‘ud)
An in-depth follow-up session, focusing exclusively on a specific topic, can be arranged.
The venues
In its three years of existence, Arabesque has been presented in schools, community colleges, public libraries, libraries, museums, and festivals.
Recommendations
Carole Krucoff, Oriental Institute, Head of Public and Museum Education: “A wonderful evening of extraordinary musicianship and educational commentary that ended with a standing ovation from the audience.”
Lindsay Siegel, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs: "A beautiful mastery, found only in the most skilled and practiced musicians. The resulting music is calming and exquisite in its subtlety. Hicham is a truly gifted performer who readily shares his passion and understanding of classical Oriental culture with the audience."
Further references
Schools:
Sullivan High School, Chicago (Steven Serikaku, former Assistant Principal)
Walter Payton Preparatory High School, Chicago (Abby Imren, French Department)
Urban Gateways, Chicago (Patrick Rybarczyk, Touring Program Coordinator)
Libraries:
Barrington Area Library, IL (Helen Stewart, Adult Programmer)
Colleges:
Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, IL (Amanda Bigelow, International Studies)
Religious Organizations:
Lakeside Congregation, Highland Park, IL (Michael Davis, Cantor)
Festivals:
Seattle Arab Festival (Laura Ishak, Cultural Coordinator)
Genesis at the Crossroads, “From the Middle East to the Midwest,” Chicago (Wendy Sternberg, President)
© 2003 Xauen Music, Inc.
All rights reserved to Hicham Chami and Xauen Music, Inc.
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