Dr. Hiyaf Yassin, leading his brilliant youth ensemble "Arab Musical Heritage," presented an exceptional evening by all standards, filled with nostalgia for timeless musical icons from various Arab countries, from Palestine to Syria, passing through Egypt and settling in Lebanon, under the title "An Evening of Arab Musical Traditions." The event was part of "Tripoli, Capital of Arab Culture for 2024," sponsored by the Lebanese Minister of Culture, represented by Professor Shawki Sassin, and attended by cultural, artistic, spiritual, political figures, and civil society, filling the auditorium of Antoine University in Majdaliya/Zgharta in northern Lebanon.
The Arab Musical Heritage ensemble remained committed, as usual, to presenting diverse Arab musical traditions, especially from the Levant, blending popular and artistic styles with great professionalism and precise performances. They took the form of the authentic Arab "Taqt Ensemble" (a small, specific group of musical instruments) focused on singular musical modes, and their innovation came from within, characterized by improvisation, which was brilliantly showcased during the evening, particularly in improvisations, 'layali', 'mawaweel', and poems.
The remarkable aspect of the ensemble is the young elements present, reflecting the strong connection between Arab musical heritage and the identity of these musicians. The ensemble consisted of Dr. Hiyaf Yassin leading and playing the santur, Professor Cristo Alamawe singing and playing the oud, Professor Diamon Queen Shia singing, Miss Veronica Hannoush playing the Arabic violin, and Professors Naji Al-Aridee on the riq and Andres Al-Tarse on the darbuka.
