Festival du Monde Arabe presents

Roots of Flamenco

Two cultures locked in an embrace, whispering, “You Are Mine!”

The theme of the 24th FMA will be perfectly captured in this flamboyant finale! In this musical story told in song and dance, the traditions of Iraq and Andalusia will come together in a bold exploration of shared passions and unbridled creativity.

Inspired by the life and work of the great Munir Bashir, and in particular his masterpiece Flamenco Roots, this original production will serve as a kind of retrospective and tribute to the renowned artist and nomadic spirit, where the meditative maqamat and taqasim are ignited with the fire of flamenco, as their hidden, connected roots are unearthed.

Retracing the footsteps of this Arabic musical legend, Roots of Flamenco will explore the evolution of an artistic expression and discipline spanning multiple eras and countries. A lineup of peerless artists will guide the way, led by Omar Bashir, the exceptional oud player and heir to his father’s legacy; Carlos Piñana, the captivating Spanish guitarist and one of flamenco’s most treasured artists; and the famous Algerian musician and storyteller Sidi Bémol, a performer who dances on the edge of cultural identities. The evening will also feature the sultry, burnished vocals of flamenco singer Ana Mochón, the energetic choreography of dancer Cristobal Muñoz, and the infectious rhythms of cajon player Miguel Angel Orengo.

This closing night event will be a grand celebration of Munir Bashir, the man who restored the oud to its former glory and brought it into the modern era. Audiences will be taken on an adventure brimming with impressive virtuosity and unexpected improvisations, as a new generation explores the life and work of the artist who liberated the oud from the rigid rules of tradition and unlocked its universal appeal.

A towering figure of contemporary Arabic music, Munir Bashir was born in Iraq, where he honed his talent as he absorbed the traditions of the great city of Baghdad, capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. Exiled from his country amidst political turmoil, he settled in Hungary, further perfecting his art through intense studies and a commitment to innovation. Straddling the worlds of Mesopotamia and Central Europe, and witness to brutal warfare and coups d’état, Bashir was a nomadic soul who remained steadfastly devoted to the demanding yet captivating wonders of Arabic music.

Embark on a journey to the heart of this celebrated artist, with spellbinding melodies and breathtaking improvisations that will lead you across Iraq and Andalusia, building bridges of enchanting arabesques between lands and peoples. In this major production, these two cultures—so deeply entwined and yet so far apart—will seem to whisper to each other: “You Are Mine!”

Artists
Omar Bashir, oud
Carlos Piñana, guitar
Cheikh SIdi Bémol, storyteller
Ana Mochó, voice
Cristobal Muñoz, dance
Miguel Angel Orengo, cajón

Théâtre Maisonneuve
Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 8:00pm

To purchase your tickets visit: www.placedesarts.com