The Middle East Institute is pleased to host Riad Abdel-Gawad, a composer, violinist, and musical educator for a discussion about the origins, current interpretations, and meaning of the Sufic musical tradition as it is practiced in Egypt today. Abdel-Gawad is a disciple of the renowned Egyptian musician Abdo Dagher, and studied under him for more than a decade. Dagher’s musical school is similar to that of north-Indian “gharana” traditions, and places emphasis on taqseem, or improvisation. This tradition has Medieval roots and is based on local Quranic and Sufi chant. Dr. Abdel-Gawad will be performing with his musical troupe from Cairo at the Davis Performing Arts Center at Georgetown University on Thursday, Sept. 23rd at 8:00pm. More information about the performance is here. He will also perform in duo at the McNeir Auditorium at Georgetown University on Friday, Sept. 24th at 1:15pm. More information about the performance is available here.
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