The SHARQ Arabic Music Ensemble was created by Egyptian musician Karim Nagi in 1999. The word "Sharq" means "East" in the Arabic language. The group presents traditional Arabic vocal and instrumental music, performing on traditional acoustic instruments. The ensemble also performs 20th century classics from Egypt and Syria, plus regional Arabic folklore from North Africa and the Eastern Arab countries. The focus of the group has always been to revive the repertoire, style and presentation of Arab music.
Karim Nagi, a native of Cairo, is a master percussionist and proponent of traditional Arab folkloric dance who performs all over the world. Aboud Agha is the lead vocalist and Oud (Arab lute) player, originally from Aleppo Syria. Agha was a premier concert vocalist in the Boston area who is now pursuing a graduate degree in ethnomusicology at Northern Illinois University. The ensemble is completed by Boujemaa Razgui from Marrakech Morocco. Razgui is a multi instrumentalist who has had careers in Morocco, France, Canada, prior to joining the Sharq Ensemble.
The ensemble has performed all over the country in outdoor festivals, colleges and universities, clubs and concert halls. The Sharq ensemble's outreach not only provides audiences a look at the rich musical background of the Arab world but also serves as a cultural bridge that connects people of diverse communities.
Tickets are $15 general/$10 non-Salem State students and seniors.
Purchase online at: salemstatetickets.com Tickets will be sold at the door the night of the concert.
Free with Salem State student ID.
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The Center for the Arts provides diverse, high quality and affordable events in theatre, dance, music, creative writing and art for all members of the university community and the greater North Shore. We produce nearly one hundred events each year from student performances to world class artists and performers.
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