Fusion of oudh and guitar

The music of the oudh and guitar filled the Qanat Al Qasba theatre on the evenings of March 1 and 2. The renowned Iraqi oudh player Naseer Shamma and Spanish guitarist Carlos Pinana performed together to provide enchanting music before a large audience.

Layla A. Fahim, Art and Culture Manager of Qanat Al Qasba, said that "hosting such a unique concert is a source of pride to us. What makes this event unique is that it combines the oudh and guitar in one musical sound.
"It conveys a universal message of love, harmony and unity and reconfirms the fact that musical instruments can play an effective role to this end."

The two musicians try to convey a message of love and understanding among various cultures. Through this concert which features a fusion of oudh and guitar, which are so representative of Eastern and Western cultures, Naseer and Carlos wanted to emphasise the importance of music as a powerful communication channel.

Communication channel

"Music, culture and creative work create a communication channel between people rather than a source of conflict. Creativity has wings that cannot be imprisoned. It crosses every border and ? has the power to talk directly to the heart," Naseer Shamma told Gulf News. "Music is linked to your soul, it is part of your identity, it occupies a place near your heart. You talk about yourself through your music," Carlos said.

Both musicians are trying to create a dialogue through music. They have performed seven concerts in seven countries.
Carlos enjoys playing with Naseer because he feels that there is an invisible bond between them.

"I feel what you call 'Duende' in the flamenco world which is a feeling of connection that is above words," he said. The beautiful fusion of oudh and guitar show how the right dialogue between the two worlds could create beautiful things.
"I want to gain respect and reach others through my music. I believe that we have to learn to listen to others," said Naseer. "My music is a flower of peace and an invitation to love."

Power of music

The ethnically diversified audience at the concert seemed to be the strongest proof of the power of music in reaching out to the hearts of people regardless of their nationality. "I believe that music is an international language. You just have to have a look at the audience and you will find people from different nationalities and they all seem to enjoy the music," said Samer Saleh, a young man who attended the concert.

"Music crosses all cultural barriers regardless of language," said Ben Heasly, who attends almost all music concerts in Sharjah.