SYRIA: Renowned composer Ziad al-Rahbani performs in Damascus

Record ID: 279232

  • Title: SYRIA: Renowned composer Ziad al-Rahbani performs in Damascus
  • Date: 16th July 2009
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF THE AUDIENCE (3 SHOTS) (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) AMMAR, A FAN OF ZIAD AL-RAHBANI, SAYING: "We are talking about a person who sings words that are away from traditional love songs that we are used to hearing nowadays. Here there is a higher level of taste that needs a higher level of listeners who are capable of understanding him better." VARIOUS OF THE AUDIENCE
  • Embargoed: 31st July 2009 13:00
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  • Reuters ID: LVAA3UTEJJQ1V59KT1XM1UAXCIHB
  • Story Text: Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani, son of the legendary Arab singer Fairouz, performs in Damascus.
    Almost 4,000 people attended a concert on Wednesday (July 15) held by Lebanese composer and singer Ziad al-Rahbani in the Syrian capital.
    The four concerts, titled "Mniha...! (It's good!)" are taking place in the historic citadel of Damascus where Rahbani along with his band are performing his most successful songs as well as new songs played to the public for the first time.
    "We are talking about a person who sings words that are away from traditional love songs that we are used to hearing nowadays. Here there is a higher level of taste that needs a higher level of listeners who are capable of understanding him better," Ammar, one of Rahbani's fans, said.
    It was not only Syrian fans who attended the concert but many fans from Jordan and Lebanon who travelled to Damascus to enjoy a style of music rare to Syrians.
    Kinda Abbas, a student, said: "There is a music and songs that are spreading now, everyday there is a new song. We miss his music and this kind of music and plays. All these things characterise him and the Rahbanis in general. That's why people love him and that's why you see the crowds here tonight."
    The organisers of the concerts said that Rahbani purposely chose Damascus to start his musical tour this year. He will perform the same concert in Lebanon later in July.
    Ziad al-Rahbani is one of the most well known contemporary musicians in the Middle East. He was recently listed at number 43 for the Arab world's most influential figures of 2009, ahead of popular Egyptian singer Amr Diab.
    Rahbani's mother, 73-year-old Fairouz, was one of the Arab world's most famous singers in her prime.
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