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Words Adorned: Andalusian Poetry and Music

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble in concert with The Crossing choir and soloist Dalal Abu Amneh, 2015. Photo by Chip Colson.
Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble in concert with The Crossing choir and soloist Dalal Abu Amneh, 2015. Photo by Chip Colson.
Dalal Abu Amneh in concert, 2015. Photo by Chip Colson.
Dalal Abu Amneh in concert, 2015. Photo by Chip Colson.
Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble in concert with The Crossing choir and soloist Dalal Abu Amneh, 2015. Photo by Chip Colson.
Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble in concert with The Crossing choir and soloist Dalal Abu Amneh, 2015. Photo by Chip Colson.

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture premiered two new compositions by Arab-American composers Kareem Roustom and 2013 Pew Fellow Kinan Abou-afach, inspired by Andalusian poetry (muwashshahat). Exploring new approaches to musical languages and tradition, the newly commissioned works, Embroidered Verses and Of Nights and Solace, were performed during a concert in December 2015 as part of the Bryn Mawr College Performing Arts Series. The musical scores and lyric translations will be published in a booklet and an interactive website, along with an introduction to the muwashahat form and its historical context. These materials will offer other Western choirs the opportunity to learn and perform compositions that merge Arab and Western music.


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uestions of ractice
Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble in concert with The Crossing choir and soloist Dalal Abu Amneh, 2015. Photo by Chip Colson.
Interview

Inside Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture: Q&A with Hazami Sayed

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Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble in concert with The Crossing choir and soloist Dalal Abu Amneh, 2015. Photo by Chip Colson.
Interview

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Recipient
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture

Over the past 10 years, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture has emerged as one of the country's leading Arab arts organizations, featuring year-round programming with some of the finest Arab artists working today. Within a welcoming educational environment, Al-Bustan supports the Arab American community's pursuit and affirmation of its cultural identity, while playing a constructive civic role within broader American society. 

 

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