The Art of the Oud

Philharmonia SESSIONS presents The Art of the Oud, an intimate evening with Cairo-born virtuoso Joseph Tawadros in a rare U.S. solo appearance at The Freight — Berkeley’s legendary venue for roots and folk artists. Drawing on the Arabic modal system (maqam), Tawadros performs original works that bridge Middle Eastern tradition with Baroque, jazz, and folk influences.

Concert Highlights

• Eight-time ARIA Award winner Joseph Tawadros is internationally recognized as one of the foremost performers and composers for the oud.
• The oud — a fretless, pear-shaped lute central to Middle Eastern musical traditions — is an ancestor of the long-necked lutes of the Baroque era and the modern guitar.
• The program moves from thrilling, fast-paced works to introspective, lyrical pieces.
• Presented as part of Philharmonia’s SESSIONS series, spotlighting individual artists in relaxed, informal settings, designed for close listening.

A special co-presentation with The Freight.

Program

Joseph Tawadros, oud

Curated solo program of original works by Joseph Tawadros