Words Adorned: Andalusian Poetry and Music

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture

Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble in concert with The Crossing choir and soloist Dalal Abu Amneh, 2015. Photo by Chip Colson.

Dalal Abu Amneh in concert, 2015. Photo by Chip Colson.

Recipient

Grant Year 2014

Grant Amount $200,000

Status Completed

Updated May 30, 2023

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture premiered two new compositions by Arab-American composers Kareem Roustom and 2013 Pew Fellow Kinan Abou-afach, inspired by Andalusian poetry (muwashshahat). Exploring new approaches to musical languages and tradition, the newly commissioned works, Embroidered Verses and Of Nights and Solace, were performed during a concert in December 2015 as part of the Bryn Mawr College Performing Arts Series. The musical scores and lyric translations will be published in a booklet and an interactive website, along with an introduction to the muwashahat form and its historical context. These materials will offer other Western choirs the opportunity to learn and perform compositions that merge Arab and Western music.

*Additional unrestricted funds are added to each grant for general operating support.*

Primary EventsEvents & Exhibitions

Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble. Photo by Dave Tavani.

Words Adorned: The Concert

Dec 5, 2015
Bryn Mawr College, McPherson Auditorium, 150 N. Merion Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA

More info

Supporting Events

Words Adorned: Classical Arab Music and Poetry Reading

Oct 25, 2015
Trinity Center for Urban Life, 22nd and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia

Words Adorned: On the Andalusian Garden

Nov 3, 2015
Bryn Mawr College, Goodhart Hall, 150 N. Merion Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA

Words Adorned: Music in Practice

Nov 24, 2015
Trinity Center for Urban Life, 22nd and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia

Words Adorned: Demonstration of Arabic Vocal Tradition

Dec 3, 2015
Irvine Auditorium Building, Amado Recital Hall, 3401 Spruce Street, Philadelphia

uestions of ractice

Interview

Inside Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture: Q&A with Hazami Sayed

Interview

Questions of Practice: Conductor Donald Nally and Violinist Hanna Khoury on Blending Musical Traditions

Recipient

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture

Over the past 10 years, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture has emerged as one of the country's leading Arab arts organizations, featuring year-round programming with some of the finest Arab artists working today. Within a welcoming educational environment, Al-Bustan supports the Arab American community's pursuit and affirmation of its cultural identity, while playing a constructive civic role within broader American society.

More info