As in previous years, the Oud Festival, in cooperation with Professor Taiseer Elias, one of the world’s great living musicians and oud players, presents a tribute to the great Egyptian musicians of the 20th century. These artists shaped Arabic art music and became living legends—Abd al-Wahab, Um Kalthoum, Farid al-Atrash, Layla Mourad, Asmahan and Abd al-Halim Hafez.

Elias created a special ensemble with four outstanding soloists, Violet Salameh, Ziv Yehezkel, Avi Cohen and Maamun Zayoud, to perform the canonic compositions. The ensemble presents a wide range of vocal works, all recognized as essentials of Arabic classical music. The moving and rousing vocal performance will feature improvisational segments that enrich the experience, bringing it to sublime spiritual levels—tarab!