Dr. George Sawa at the University of Alberta

George Sawa is a master of Arabic music. He is a historian of medieval Arabic music, a composer, and a qanun (plucked zither) performer and theorist, whose expertise has taught generations of dancers and musicians. He has published two books on medieval Arabic performance practice and theory (Music Performance Practice in the Early Abbasid Era. 750 - 932 A.D. Toronto: Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies, 1989; and Rhythmic Theories and Practices in Arabic Writings to 339 AH/ 950 CE, Ottawa: The Institute of Mediaeval Music, 2009). He has also published dozens of articles and encyclopedia entries about Arabic music, and numerous Arabic music recordings, including the Juno-nominated "The Art of the Early Egyptian Qanun" (volumes 1 and 2), 2008 - 2009.

We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to host Dr Sawa for a series of lectures, workshops, and demonstrations in the coming week, and to feature him in a concert on the evening of March 19th.

Monday March 16th, 7 pm: lecture: - ARABIC MUSIC, ORNAMENTATION, AESTHETICS, AND THE MANY FORMS OF DANCE MUSIC (90 min, Humanities Centre L 1)

Tuesday March 17th, 2 pm: lecture - AL FARABI: PARADIGMS AND THEORIES OF RHYTHMS (90 min, Humanities Centre 2 41)

Wednesday March 18th, noon: lecture - AL-ISFAHANI AND HIS KITAB AL-AGHANI (60 min, folkwaysAlive/CCE, 347 Old Arts)

Wednesday March 18th, 2 pm: lecture/demonstration: THE QANUN (PLUCKED ZITHER): TECHNIQUE, TAQSIM (IMPROVISATION), AND REPERTOIRE (90 min, FAB 2-20)

Thursday March 19th, 9:30 am: MUSICIANS' WORKSHOP: ARABIC INSTRUMENTAL IMPROVISATION (TAQSIM) (bring your instrument!) (90 min, FAB 2-26)

Thursday March 19th, noon: performance for Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action's program for the UN International Day to End Racial Discrimination (City Hall, downtown). (1 hour)