Music

2013 Caravan Festival of the Arts

Closing Concert by Georges Kazazian
      (with artistic installation by artist Claire Marie Pearman)
 

On 16 May at 7:00 PM, the renowned oud (lute) composer and player Georges Kazazian performed a closing concert. Georges Kazazian, has published a dozen albums of his music which “capture a translucent way of playing the oud”. The concert was held under a symbolic artistic installation by English artist Claire Marie Pearman titled 99 Doves.

Georges Kazaian performing (photo by Abeer Sharara)		Performing to a packed audience
Georges Kazazian performing under 99 Doves by artist Claire Marie Pearman		Georges Kazazian playing the oud under 99 Doves by Claire Marie Pearman, artist
Georges Kazazian in concert		Founder, Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler, conversing with Georges Kazazian post concert

The closing musical concert for the 2013 CARAVAN Festival of the Arts was a solo performance by the renowned oud player and composer Georges Kazazian.

Georges Kazazian was born in Cairo and is from Armenian descent. Known for his creative touch on the oud, his music doesn't fit an established genre label. With a style of his own and at the same time steeped in Egypt`s musical traditions, Georges Kazazian has journeyed through several musical traditions of the world. Some of his music is termed "Egyptian Jazz". Often his music is complimented by Takht aesthetics, and an Arab Music ensemble (with popular Egyptian musical instruments), and his music has appeal both in the West and throughout the Arab World.

Having recorded a dozen albums to date, his albums capture a translucent way of playing the oud. He has also composed sound tracks for several films.

In regard to performing, he has said, "It’s not how you start, it’s how you develop". Following this principle, he has emerged an influential voice in the world of music, and has performed at some of the most prestigious music festivals around the world.

99 DOVES by Clarie Marie Pearman
(an artistic installation)

Created by the English artist Claire Marie Pearman (one of the 2013 CARAVAN participating artists), her primary artistic medium is that of paper and metal. The marvelous installation echoed the theme of CARAVAN. Titled 99 Doves….the 99 doves (made of paper and metal) in the installation represented the 99 names of Allah (God) in the Islamic tradition, and of course representing also peace. The doves are seen flying in a crescent shape over the background of the wooden cross…highlighting the peaceful commonalities we have between both faiths.