- Title: LEBANON-OUM KALTHOUM TRIBUTE Musicians pay tribute to Oum Kalthoum
- Date: 26th July 2015
- Summary: ZOUK MIKAEL, LEBANON (NIGHT SHOTS) (JULY 25, 2015) (REUTERS) SAHAB ON STAGE DURING THE CONCERT
- Embargoed: 10th August 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Lebanon
- Country: Lebanon
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA6359KCJIS7173PS5QL9SKAJKF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: The music of iconic Egyptian singer Oum Kalthoum was brought to life for one night only at a Lebanese music festival.
The show was part of the Zouk Mikael International Music Festival.
Lebanese conductor Selim Sahab, was the man behind the show and conductin g the Lebanese National Oriental Orchestra. Sahab said the music of Oum Kalthoum resonates with many people across the region.
"Oum Kalthoum's songs will always have its fans, but where is the Arab group that presents this heritage? Where is it? So surely, when one finds an opportunity and the chance to listen to songs (of Oum Kalthoum) especially with a very important oriental group, of the conservatory, people will definitely come,'' said Sahab before the show.
Three Egyptian singers were selected by Sahab to sing Oum Kalthoum's hits. One of those gracing the stage was 17-year old singer, Yasmin, a finalist in Arab's Got Talent.
Yasmine said that she has big shoes to fill, but being asked to do such a show is an 'honour'.
"To represent a strong and great personality like Oum Kalthoum, who had an impact in the whole Arab world and even in the whole world, is an honour. As about being afraid or looking forward to going on stage, fear is something important that is present in every human but I am still so looking forward to going on stage and seeing how I will do,'' said the teenage singer.
The singers wore long elegant gowns with one singer wearing a crescent pendant, a nod at the diamond encrusted broach that Oum Kalthoum used to wear during her performances.
Oum Kalthoim, a legendary singer, was know as the 'Star of East', famed for her evocative and strong voice.
Many of the fans here felt as though they were transported back to the time of the singing sensation.
"The concert was amazing, the voice were great and the audience interacted a lot. The orchestra was great and Selim Sahab was amazing. It was all over amazing,'' said Lebanese concert goer, Charbel Akiki.
And it wasn't only Lebanese fans who attended the show. But there were many fans from other countries too.
"The performance was excellent, the three artists were great, the music was great and everything was great. We felt like as if we were back to Egypt and Oum Kalthoum,'' said Esmat from Egypt.
The show lasted for two hours and it was performed in a purpose built amphitheatre in the heart of the town's old souk, which dates back to the Ottoman era.
The Egyptian singers sang songs that were composed by Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Zakaria Ahmad, Riadh Sombati and Baligh Hamdi.
Oum Kalthoum died in Cairo in 1975, at the age of 76. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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