UAE | Heritage and Culture
Seven-year-old plays ancient musical instrument
A seven-year old boy captivated the audience by playing the Qanoun, an ancient Arab string instrument, in the first concert at Arabian Oud House on Thursday night.
- By Eman Mohammed, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
- Published: 23:30 November 21, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- Seven-year-old Ahmad Hussain Al Shaikh captivated the audience on Thursday night when he played on the qanoun, an ancient Arab musical string instrument.
Abu Dhabi: A seven-year old boy captivated the audience by playing the Qanoun, an ancient Arab string instrument, in the first concert at Arabian Oud House on Thursday night.
Ahmad Hussain Al Shaikh, the youngest student in the House, impressed the audience when he played the famous song Shams Al Shamousa from legendary composer Sayed Darwish.
Ahmad is among 40 students who joined the Arabian Oud House which was launched last February by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage as an Arab musical institution under the supervision of Oud master and composer Nasser Shamma who founded the Arabian Oud House in Cairo 10 years ago.
In the concert, Shamma lead a group of 14 Oud and Qanoun students and teachers who were displaying their newly-learnt skills and techniques.
Girls and boys from different Arab countries showed talent playing some of the most high profile classical music in the Arab world.
Qanoun was invented in Abassid era 5,000 years ago and usually contains 78 strings. While Oud (Lout) was known in the east in very early ages, some studies refers to the Acadian ages in Iraq 2170-2350 BC. Oud was developed by Arab musician Zeryab in Andalusia and ever since it has become one of the basic instruments in Arab music.
The performance of children on the 5,000-year-old instrument was remarkable. Zaina, a 12-year-old girl played the famous Rahbani brothers composition Nasam Alayna Al Hawa and then nine-year-old Mohammad Ali played 'Kord' Key.
Shamma introduced for the first time talented singer Wa'ad Al Bahri who performed Vienna for the legendary Asmahan.
Shamma told Gulf News "I'm want to register children [7 years and above] in the house in order to strengthen there talents and turn them to professionals in two years."
Teachers in the house are teaching playing of oud and qanoun and in the future nay (fife) and other oriental instruments will be added such as buzok (mandolin), santora and bass.
The house offers a two- year training programme after which each student will be tested by a committee of experts.
More from UAE Heritage & Culture
More from UAE
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Police's secret source scheme reaps rewards
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Smart e-Gate system launched
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
