Sounds for a New Golden Age: Oud Maestro Marcel Khalife, Rami, and Bachar Khalife

When oud master and composer Marcel Khalife first found his voice as an artist, in self-imposed internal exile during Lebanon’s unrest in the 1970s, he never guessed his songs, based on the works of the prolific and renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, would ignite imaginations and spread like wildfire across the Middle East and North Africa.

Ever since, Darwish remained a beacon in Khalife’s long creative life, a “second soul” in his breast, even after Darwish’s death in 2008.  A significant part of Khalife’s popular lyrical works use Darwish’s poetry as their basis.

Khalife's sons Rami (piano) and Bachar (percussion) add a strong dynamic pulse and diverse musical elements to their father’s usual elegance. The trio will tour the U.S. this year, thanks to the efforts of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, which works, among other goals, to preserve and share Arab heritage with people of all backgrounds. The younger Khalifes' compositions play a prominent role in the tour's program. "We are on equal footing as artists," explains Marcel.

“Many of the listeners who come to our concerts come away with something profound,” reflects Bachar. “They don’t need to understand the words to feel the meaning.”

These messages and shared sentiments couldn’t come at a more vital time, and this tour is supported by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), an organization striving for civil rights for Arab Americans, and for all. “We see our mission is to protect civil rights and civil liberties, promote mutual understanding, and to preserve cultural heritage,” explains Nabil Mohamad, the organization’s vice president. “The tour falls within ADC’s mission to highlight the beauty of Arab culture, which will dispel stereotypes while allowing listeners to learn more about Arab heritage and turaath (culture). Marcel has used his unique and nuanced voice as an artist to build bridges with mainstream audiences. His sons have continued that work, and we’re delighted to present it.”