DaveH - 3-28-2010 at 11:32 PM
Hi All
For any UK oudists who can make it to Oxford (a very easy bus or train ride from London).
I believe there's also a concert being arranged in Manchester in May and I or someone else will try and post details of that when they're available.
DaveH - 5-9-2010 at 10:16 AM
Hi all
I meant to post but haven't had the time. Just to say this was a fantastic concert and brought the house down. Playing his own compositions and some
arabic and turkish classical, Nizar was joined for some pieces by Shirley Smart on the cello which really worked very well. It was an all accoustic
concert in a medium-sized hall and it worked perfectly - the room was full to bursting with beautiful sound - no surprise as tone is one of Nizar's
great strengths as a player.
If anyone out there gets the chance to see Nizar in concert, please don't miss it - upcoming in the Netherlands, Switzerland and of course
Palestine/Israel. He also did one this weekend in Manchester. Any news on that?
Nizar is also a great teacher, and just before the concert oud small but dedicated UK oud-playing group also had a wonderful workshop. Brilliant
tuition and very enlightening talks (plus delicious food and great company). Thanks to two inputs from Nizar now, our little band is really
progressing - watch out Yanks!
Ararat66 - 5-9-2010 at 12:28 PM
Hi Dave
I'd like to say that these meetings we've had seem to increase our sense of dedication - particularly this last one with Nizar. Nizar, apart from
being an amazing player, is a very good, kind, and attentive teacher.
About a month before the workshop he sent us all by email, 7 pieces of music from which to choose from and learn one or two. Each piece came with a
file with music notated, plus a version Nizar recorded in 'simple' unadorned form and 'full' with various bass runs, and 'ornamentations etc.
Our meeting lasted across the weekend and we all had 2 one to one sessions with him. You are right about the discussions, really enjoyed the Saturday
evening one where he played and we all asked loads of questions.
I haven't had much in the way of lessons but these meetings are fantastic, and the groups of us that get together are so musically varied and
interesting ... there is something pretty powerful about a room full of meaningful ouds and willful udis !!!!
If anyone gets chance to see or meet Nizar, take it.
Cheers Dave
Leon
Kelly - 5-9-2010 at 01:21 PM
Dave/Leon
Great feedback from the last workshop - thanks to all and Nizar for a really excellent weekend.
Nizar played last night another blinding performance at part of Nomad Cafe series in Manchester mixing his unique compositions with some traditional
tunes. He was headlining with two other excellent acts including Glenn Sharp,Flamenco guitar ( and fellow oudist) and Bihar ( Balkan Blues). One of
the highlights was a duet with Nizar and Glenn playing their own arrangement of Anour Braehem's "Parfume de Gitane" great playing that had everyone
spellbound. An impromptu session after the gig rounded off a great evening. Thanks to Glenn for arranging the gig and lets hope we can get Nizar
back here again soon.