Lebanon's composer/musician Marcel Khalifé is a master and innovator of the oud (fretless lute) and a pioneer of contemporary Arab song. Renowned throughout the Middle East for over three decades, he has sustained a following akin to pop artists. In 2005, he was named UNESCO Artist for Peace. Performing on oud and vocals, he will be accompanied by the Al Mayadine Ensemble in a program featuring works from his new recording Taqasim, as well as selections from his older repertoire.

TICKET ADVISORY: A good supply of tickets will be available for purchase at the door tonight--bring ALL the family!

In his association with great contemporary Arab poets, particularly Palestinian poet par excellence, Mahmoud Darwish, he seeks to renew the character of the Arabic song, to break its stereotypes, and to advance the culture of the society that surrounds it. On his journey, Marcel Khalifé invents and creates original music, a novel world of sounds, freed of all established rules. This language elevates him to the level of an ambassador of his own culture and to the vanguard of Near Eastern music innovators.

"a haunting work of exquisitely undulating melodies...from a man whose music seems to spring from a great reservoir of deep strength and understanding." (A-List Pick, Rick Mason, City Pages)

Co-presented by The Cedar and Mizna

Sponsored by

Tickets ON SALE noon Fri Aug 17 from Cedar ticketline 612-338-2674 ext 2 or Ticketweb

$50 reserved premium seating

$30 general admission

JADAL (Oud Duo) asin: B00000J9FB

Concerto Al Andalus asin: B000066HPX

Taqasim asin: B000JLSRH8