Syrian instrumentalist Issam Rafea will present a concert of classical and contemporary Arab music on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Carleton College Concert Hall. Rafea is an internationally acclaimed oud player, a pear-shaped stringed instrument commonly used in Middle Eastern music and considered to be an ancestor of the guitar. This event is free and open to the public.
Born in Kuwait on 1971, Issam Rafea studied in Kuwait and Syria at the High Institute of Music in Damascus. He received his BA degree in oud and double bass in 1995. Currently, in addition to his position as Chair of the Arabic Music Department at his alma mater in Damascus, he is on faculty of the Arab Conservatory where he teaches both oud and western harmony.
Rafea is also an active composer and arranger for Syrian TV and theater. Fourth prizewinner at the Cairo Improvisation Competition 2000 (1st in the oud category), he is a reputed soloist and the principal conductor of the High Institute of Music's Arabic ensemble in residence in Damascus Syria. His performances have taken him to world-renowned concert halls in France, Spain, Morocco, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Kuwait and Syria; in addition to his several solo appearances with the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra. Rafea was awarded the second prize at the "Arabic Traditional Ensembles" competition in Cairo, Egypt, 1997.
This event is sponsored by the Carleton College Department of Middle Eastern Languages. For more information, including disability accommodations, please call (507) 222-4389. The Concert Hall is located on First Street, between Nevada and Winona Streets, in Northfield.
