DOHA: Renowned French-Lebanese musician Ibrahim Maalouf has dedicated his concert in Katara to the women of today.
The trumpet player performed at the second Katara European Jazz Festival 2015 on Thursday along with Eric Legnin on keyboards, François Delporte on guitar and Stephane Galland on drums. The concert was entitled “Red and Black Light” which is also the title of his latest album released last month.
“Red and Black Light is an ode to the women of today and to the founding and fundamental role she plays in the hope of a better future,” said Maalouf. He stressed the inspiration women in his family gave him and their huge influence in his music.
“Despite living in a labyrinth where life is complex and often dramatic, they hold power and stability such as some sort of invincible trance. They give me the impression of never losing sight of the essential,” he said.
The nine-track album was inspired by Egyptian music icon Oum Kalthoum and has a cover version of a Beyonce hit.
Maalouf has gained wide acclaim throughout his career including “Young Artist for Intercultural Dialogue between Arab and Western Worlds” from Unesco and ‘Artist of the Year’ by the French equivalent of the Grammys. Launched on Wednesday, the five-day jazz festival features musicians from Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.
Yesterday’s concert featured top Italian jazz musician Francesco Bearzatti along with Tinissima 4et composed of Giovanni Falzone on trumpet and vocal effects, Danilo Gallo on double bass and electric bass, and Zeno De Rossi on drums and percussion.
Tonight, Albin Brun Alpin Ensemble from Switzerland will play at 7pm followed by Biel Ballester Trio from Spain at 9pm. The festival concludes tomorrow with a performance by Michiel Borstlap from The Netherlands at 8pm.
The Peninsula
