Abu Dhabi Culture and Arts Authority presents the UAE's first Ramadan evening 'Voices of Fez', led by renowned Moroccan chanter Nour al-Din al-Tahiri, in collaboration with the Moroccan Andalusian Music Association. The event will take place on March 1st at Louvre Abu Dhabi as part of the Spiritual Music series. The program combines Andalusian music, Andalusian and Moroccan chanting styles, such as nasb, tashshih, muwashshah, and zajal, performed on a variety of classical Arabic poetic meters and modes. Huda Al Khumais, founder of Abu Dhabi Culture and Arts Authority and Artistic Director of the festival, stated: 'In celebration of the holy month of Ramadan and to embody the values of coexistence and human fraternity in this blessed month, we are presenting the UAE premiere of the 'Voices of Fez' choir with the famous Moroccan chanter Nour al-Din al-Tahiri in collaboration with the Moroccan Embassy and Louvre Abu Dhabi.' She added: 'By reviving masterpieces of spiritual chanting, madh (praise of the Prophet), and munajat (supplications) from Arabic poetry, Andalusian and Moroccan heritage, we present over 23 traditional pieces by seven of the most prominent chanters and musicians from the Moroccan Andalusian Music Association, working to embody our ancient values and authentic cultural identity, preserving them for future generations.' Ahmed Al-Tazi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UAE, noted: 'The event reflects the richness and authenticity of the Andalusian-Moroccan musical heritage, as well as the depth of cultural ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the UAE. It highlights the role of music as a means of dialogue and human communication, especially during the month of Ramadan.' Sheikha Al-Zaabi, Acting Head of Cultural Programs at Louvre Abu Dhabi, stated that the Ramadan evening 'Voices of Fez' demonstrates the museum's commitment to providing meaningful cultural experiences for residents and visitors that celebrate heritage and deepen their understanding. 'We are bringing the spiritual traditions of Morocco to the heart of Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Moroccan Embassy in the UAE and the Abu Dhabi Culture and Arts Authority,' she said. 'We are working to embody our ancient values and authentic cultural identity, preserving them for future generations. We are proud to present a program that celebrates spiritual and poetic expression and offers our audience a moment for contemplation during Ramadan.' The program, which Nour al-Din al-Tahiri, born in the city of Fez, will lead with a group of chanters and musicians playing traditional instruments, will feature selected spiritual compositions and Andalusian melodies with a meditative character. The arrangement is distinguished by performance discipline, vocal balance, and a calm rhythm, creating an emotional atmosphere that aligns with the spiritual values of the blessed month. The focus will be primarily on madh and spiritual chanting based on classical Arabic texts and traditional Moroccan musical forms. The program is designed to transition from calm individual recitals to a full ensemble performance, creating a harmonious musical trajectory that aligns with the spirituality of the month of Ramadan and the cultural specificity of the UAE society, as well as the social role played by Louvre Abu Dhabi. The accompanying ensemble for Nour al-Din al-Tahiri consists of elite musicians: Tahimi Belhaout on the qanun, Muhammad Fahd Ronda on the oud, Salim Amiri on the violin, Muhammad Hamza Amiri on the tar, and Abd al-Fattah Amiri on the darbuka.
