MUSCAT: An exhibition opened at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) to honour the great composer and singer Mohammed Abdul Wahab (1902-1991). To highlight his profound legacy in music and arts and introduce new generations to his story, a rich educational programme has been curated with a series of exhibitions, lectures, a rare film screening and two special homage concerts. The late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos conferred Oman First Class Order on Mohammed Abdul Wahab in 1984.
The exhibition offers a special opportunity to explore the iconic musical heritage of Mohammed Abdul Wahab, featuring rare photographs, documents, personal belongings and holographic technology, thus offering an interactive and modern portrayal of the Abdul Wahab’s artistic journey. The exhibition will remain open until Friday, February 28 in the ROHM exhibition hall.
Mohammed Abdul Wahab, the Arab world’s best-known singer/composer and actor, passed away at the age of 90 after a musical career spanning 74 years. He rose from humble beginnings to becoming the star of Arab songs and a legend in modern Arab music and melody. Dubbed the ‘musician of generations’, his music has delighted people of all ages for years. During his long career, which began in his teens, he composed over 1,800 romantic and patriotic songs. His compositions for the late Umm Kalthoum, the most fabulous Arab songstress in history, gave both artists great fame.
Representing a generation in transition, he is responsible for far-reaching changes in Arab music and is credited by art critics for giving modern Arabic songs their current musical form. His superimposition of a mixture of Western musical instruments on a foundation of Arab melodies captured the hearts of millions and made him a much-loved star.
Abdul Wahab's singing was known throughout the Arab world and during his lifetime, most Arab countries acclaimed him and his works with awards. Egypt honoured him with a vast military funeral at the Rabia Al Adawiya Mosque in Cairo to mark the end of his life and a beautiful musical era.
As part of the programme to honour the late Mohammed Abdul Wahab, the ROHM will be holding educational and outreach activities daily from February 12 to 20.
A discussion session with Dr Shereen Badr will focus on the significance of the legendary ‘Meeting of the Clouds’ between Mohammed Abdul Wahab and Umm Kalthoum, examining how their partnership enriched the cultural and artistic landscape. This session will be held on Monday, February 12 at the Music Library.
The public are invited to attend Coffee and Dates, with singers Ali El Haggar and Mohammed Mohsen on Friday, February 14 at the Music Library at the ROHM.
On Saturday, February 15, the Homage to Mohammed Abdul Wahab concert will feature performances of some of his most famous romantic and patriotic works by Ali El Haggar and Mohammed Mohsen. An unforgettable night of classical music at the Royal Opera House Muscat.
Dr Mohammed al Masmoody will hold a discussion session on Wednesday, February 16, at the Music Library at the Royal Opera House Muscat, during which the researcher will delve into Mohammed Abdul Wahab's legacy.
In Absolute Music, the ROHM will present Spirit of the Orient, a quintet featuring talented Syrian musicians, on Monday, February 17, at ROHM theatre. The quintet will perform rare instrumental pieces from Mohammed Abdul Wahab’s repertoire.
The programme also includes a screening of the film A Bullet in the Heart (1944) on February 18 in the ROHM foyer. Before the screening, Ameer Ramsis, Nahla Mattar and Mohammed Nabil will present an enriching dialogue about the film.
A session will take place on Wednesday, February 19 at the Music Library at the Royal Opera House Muscat, featuring a discussion between artists Reham Abdul Hakim and Jahida Wehbe, reflecting on the beautiful melodies and stories of artistic creativity.
The final tribute concert, Homage to Mohammed Abdul Wahab will be held on February 20. This concert will showcase the masterpieces composed by Mohammed Abdul Wahab for Umm Kalthoum, with performances by Reham Abdul Hakim and Jahida Wehbe.
The ROHM plays an important role in the region in championing timeless music and art and this programme provides an exceptional platform for the great works of Mohammed Abdul Wahab to be revisited. — ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
