Aswat Ensemble Founder & Director: Nabila Mango - Zawaya

Aswat Ensemble
Founder & Director: Nabila Mango
Photo by Amro Younes/ www.lanterne-rouge.com
ZAWAYA
3150 18th Street, #523
Mail Box #505
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 255 -9330
email: zawayasf@gmail.com
www.zawaya.org
Program Design by: Fayeq Oweis - www.oweis.com
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Zawaya Presents
Aswat’s Winter Concert
Founder & Director Nabila Mango
Guest Music Director Sari Dowidar
A Night of Arabic Folkloric and
Classical Music
January 24, 2009
Photo By Falak Shawwa/ www.Falakshawwa.net

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Acknowledgments
Al-Juthoor Palestinian Dance Company
Andrew Roth Audio Recording
Arab Cultural and Community Center/ SF Promotion
Arab Film Festival Promotion
Arab Resource and Organizing Center Promotion
Barney Jones Sound Engineer
Bay Area Turkish Community Promotion
Brownpapertickets.com
CASA MANGO Stage Design
Fayeq Oweis Program Design
Georges Lammam Ensemble - Promotion
Jidda Morrar Ticket Sales
KPFA Promotion
Lina Del Roble Editing
Marty Atkinson Sound Engineer
Mia Coo Internet Promotion
Michael Carriere Internet Promotion
NAAP-Northern California Promotion
Samer El Bandak Promotion
Skyline College
Summer Harrarah Media
Suzy Abu Nie Media
Parenting on the Peninsula Magazine Promotion
Aurora Theater Promotion
Amro Younes / Lanterne-rouge.com Photography
Maurice Jacobsen Videographer
ZAWAYA and ASWAT
would also like to thank
all the 40 volunteers
without whom this concert would not be possible.
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Zawaya gratefully acknowledges the
following foundations for their
support:
AAPIP - Asian Americans/ Pacific Islanders
in Philanthropy
The William and Flora Hewlett
Foundation
Thanks to our community sponsors
Fuad Daya
Suzanne El-Gamal
Pamela Hodel
Adil Jadallah
Medhat Kamal Family
Ferial Kardosh
Alice Nashashibi
Bahgat Saad Family
Amel Tafsout
Margaret Titus
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ASWAT Ensemble was founded in the
Bay Area in January 2000. Founder
Nabila Mango, a Palestinian American
cultural activist, has been selflessly
dedicated to ASWAT since its inception
and, through years of hard work
and tireless dedication, has brought together a family of musical
ambassadors supportive of her deep love of Arabic music. In just
eight years, ASWAT has transformed itself from an informal community
choir to a professional performing group selling out concerts
at each of its biannual performances. Born simply from the
desire to sing, ASWAT has become an anchor in the Bay Area
Arab- American musical scene.
The very act of singing itself preserves musical legacies dating
back thousands of years, and celebrates songs that express the essential
soul of Arab culture. ASWAT’s growth is itself an accomplishment,
taking place in the shadow of hate crimes and mounting
hostilities aimed at Arabs and Muslims following the 9-11 tragedy.
ASWAT has enabled musicians to learn and expand their knowledge
of Arabic classical and folk music. It is a forum in which
both Arab and American musicians alike form bonds with each
other through a shared experience. For the Arab-American AS-
WAT members, the group is an affirmative collective where they
can experience their culture as a living thing that not only brings
them pride but serves as a conduit for inviting others to appreciate
their often maligned and misunderstood heritage.
ASWAT welcomes anyone who is interested or even curious
about Arabic music to learn more by contacting ASWAT at: aswat08@gmail.com
or nabila@sbcglobal.net.
Nabila Mango: Founder and Director
Jose-Antonio Nasser: Internet Administrator
Danny Fryer and Nabila Mango: Arabic Language Teachers
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About the Music and the Instruments
Aswat Ensemble performs classical and folk songs from
various Arab countries. The ensemble plays traditional musical
instruments such as the qanun (trapezoidal zither), ‘ud
(lute), nay (reed flute), Kaman (violin), riqq/daff
(tambourine), tar and darbukkah/tablah (goblet drum).
The program features a number of songs using different
maqamat (modes). The performance includes muwashshahat,
and songs of major artists in Egypt and Lebanon of the
19th and 20th centuries such as Fairuz, Abdel Halim Hafiz,
Abdel Wahab, Um Kulthum. The ensemble also performs
folk songs from Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, and the Arabian
Gulf.
GLOSSARY
Debke – line-dancing in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and
Syria.
Darbukkah – goblet shape hand drum
Maqam (maqamat) – mode; an Arab system of pitch organization
that allows for the construction of melodies and
improvisation (taqseem) within a scale.
Muwashshah – a “post-classical” singing form not rigidly
governed by the qasidah, originated in the Middle East, and
integrated into the music of Al-Andalus in the 10th Century
Qad Halabi – a folkloric song based on the melody of another
regional folk song, especially Turkish or unknown
older Arabic songs.
Qadim – old (unknown composer)
Qasidah – a poem set to music consisting of 10-25 or more
lines of poetry
Riqq – fish skin tambourine
Taqsim – non-metric improvisation played in a maqam
‘Ud – Arabic style fretless lute
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Ya Ghusna Naqa
(Oh Pure Branch)
O my beloved,
O you, crowned with gold and pure beauty
like the branch of a tree.
I would give my life to save you from harm,
I swear to you by my mother and father.
You are always in my dreams.
Have pity on me,
you whose love could be the remedy for my heart.
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ZAWAYA was founded in 2003 by Nabila Mango
and Haya Shawwa Ben Halim to promote the public
expression of Arab art and culture in the Bay
Area. ZAWAYA is the umbrella organization for
ASWAT and its affiliated branches for literary,
educational and visual arts. ASWAT is comprised
of a twenty member orchestra and another twenty
singers. ASWAT provides the only expression of traditional, culturally
rooted Arabic music in the Bay Area. Zawaya means
“aspects” or “corners”, suggesting the multiple artistic expressions
to be discovered and enjoyed in Arabic culture. The organization is
working toward a time when it will be able to celebrate all aspects
of Arab heritage including dance, theater, the oral arts including
poetry, recitation and storytelling, calligraphy, needlepoint and photography.
ZAWAYA is a tax- exempt, tax-deductible organization
with 501(C)(3) status.
ZAWAYA’s philosophy is one of pluralism and inclusion. The
board, musicians, singers and audience are diverse both by intention
and because ZAWAYA attracts people from a wide spectrum of
cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds. In 2009 ZAWAYA will
start a youth ASWAT music ensemble and youth Debke classes in
the Peninsula. ZAWAYA has grown and expanded despite an inhospitable
politically-charged climate. We sincerely welcome your
support, donations and attendance.
ZAWAYA’s Executive Committee:
Duraid Musleh, President
Haya Shawwa Ben Halim, Vice-president
Lucia Volk, Recording Secretary
Board members:
Margaret Coyne
Suzanne El-Gamal
Nabila Mango
Maher Sabry
Shahdan Shazly
For more information, visit our website: www.zawaya.org or
contact us directly at zawayasf@gmail.com
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ASWAT Ensemble
Guest Music Director: Sari Dowidar
Founder & Administrative Director:
Nabila Mango
Guest Artist: Mohammed Nejad (Nay)
Instrumentalists:
Mohammad Arrabi (Nay)
Rima Ayyash (Violin)
Hamid Banaei (Violin)
Kristina Ben Arab (‘Oud)
Hector Bezanis (Nay, Mijwiz)
Yates Brown (Bass, Guitar)
Bilel Bouraoui (Qanun)
Loay Dahbour (Percussion)
Hisham Dahud (Trap Set)
Amina Goodyear (Percussion)
Gregory Hamburg (‘Oud)
Sandy Hollister (Percussion)
Barney Jones (Trumpet)
Ala Kallel (‘Oud)
Bashar Kellow (‘Oud)
Sarah Michael (Cello)
Guilnard Moufarrej (Qanun)
Angela Ramsey (Violin)
Husain Resan (Violin)
Faisal Zeidan (Percussion)
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We Had a Mill
How wonderful were the nights, when love awaited us, and we
met. The night and the roaring waters took us far.
My grandfather used to grind wheat then, and
evening gatherings took place for the neighborhood.
People roamed those courtyards, singing along the roads,
some holding bags, some on carriages.
The days went by, the mill fell silent on the shoulder of the
spring. And now, my grandfather has become the mill of
memories, grinding shadows and sunlight.
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Sirat Al Hubb
(The Story of Love)
All my life I have been afraid of falling in love, for I know the
stories of tears and sorrows.
Then I met you, and fell for you at first sight. Your eyes invited
me to love you, and now I am in love with you day and night.
Yes, indeed I got hurt and cried, but there is nothing in this
world sweeter than love.
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ASWAT Ensemble
Guest Music Director: Sari Dowidar
Founder & Administrative Director:
Nabila Mango
Vocalists:
Muhammad Arrabi
Yasmeen Daifallah
Lina Del Roble
Hala Fauzi
Faten Helal
Christine Horsley
Barney Jones
Marwan Mero
Rana Mroue
Jose-Antonio Nasser
Khaled Nikro
Vitrae Nune
Dilek Seren
Christine Stouffer
Gunsu Temirer
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Guest Music Director
Biography
Sari Dowidar
.
Sari Dowidar's musical style is an apt reflection of the
latest trends in Arabic music in the 21 st century – the
product of cross-fertilization between Middle Eastern
and Western sensibilities. Mr. Dowidar's brilliance is
evident in his ability to maintain the integrity of traditional
Arabic music while incorporating non-traditional
elements such as Western harmony and instruments.
The result is a breathtaking musical landscape of
depth, layer, and texture that is at once new and familiar.
Mr. Dowidar is trained in classical Arabic music at the
Academy of Music in Cairo. He has conducted various
university choirs, including that of the American University
in Cairo. He is a notable composer for
such prominent Egyptian opera house singers as Ahmad
Ibrahim, Azza Balba, and Reham Abdal-Hakim. Last
July, Mr. Dowidar conducted the Arabic Music Ensemble
at the Opera House in Cairo. Prior to his stint with
Aswat, he was conductor of the Popular Folkloric Arts
Troupe for the Cairo "Ballone" Theater.
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The Ginawi Jugs
Beautiful are the Ginawi jugs; there are none like
them. Come and buy a couple.
Do not go on wasting your money on what is not made by
your fellow countrymen. What is wrong with the world,
Zalabawi?
It has gone mad! See the banks trying to take away our
money while we are penniless. If you care about your
fellow countrymen, encourage his craftsmanship, and he
shall progress. Put your hand in his hand, for he is your
countryman. He will not disappoint you. Nothing should
separate you.
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Message of a
Drowning Man
If you love me, help me leave
you, and recover from you.
Had I known the danger of
love, I would never have loved.
Had I known how deep the sea
was, I would never have taken
sail.
Had I known my end, I would
never have begun. I long for
you.
Teach me how not to, how to
uproot your passion from my
heart, how to resist the tears in
my eyes.
Teach me how love dies and
how longing impales itself. You
made the world poetic for me,
then planted your wounds in
my chest and took away my
resistance.
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Featured Artists:
Yasmeen Daifallah is from Egypt and is currently writing
her doctoral dissertation in Political Theory , UC Berkeley.
Lina Del Roble is a multicultural arts and media communications
consultant. She sings in languages of the cultures
that have shaped her soul.
Hala Fauzi is from Egypt. She is the founder of
Haladance.com.
Husain Resan - Born in Iraq, Husain Resan is a composer,
musician and a singer. He studied 'oud at age 14 in Bayt al-
Fann in Baghdad and joined its music ensemble at age 16. In
the US, he studied violin at City College. Husain plays 'oud,
violin, and bass, he sings and is presenting his first composition
tonight "Wajhun min al-Madi".
Marwan Mero is from Saudi Arabia . He graduated recently
from San Francisco State University in Business Administration.
Rana Mroue is from Lebanon and is currently writing her
doctoral dissertation in Molecular Biology , UC Berkeley.
Gunsu Temirer is from Turkey . She identifies as a domestic
engineer while preparing for her CPA future career. She
has been in awe of Arabic music and dance since her early
teens.
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Masters of Ceremony: Christine Stouffer and Jose-Antonio Nasser
MUSIC PROGRAM PART 1
1. Layali Al- Jaz’air composed by Muhammad Abd El-Wahab
(1907-1991). Maqam Nawa Athar. Taqsim on the violin by Angela
Ramsey.
2. Ya Asmar il- lon arranged by Sari Dowidar. Maqams Nahawand
dokah, Rast dokah.
3. Rubbama Lyrics by the Palestinian poet Samih al-Qasem,
composed by Ziad Butros for his sister, the singer Julia Butros.
Unadikum Lyrics by Palestinian poet Tawfiq Zayyad, composed
by Ahmed Kaabour, featuring Yasmeen Daifallah.
4. Il-Hilwa Di composed by Sayyid Darwish (1892-1923) on 4/4
beat. Maqam Hijaz dokah. Arranged by Sari Dowidar, S. Dowidar
on Piano.
5. Tayr al-Wirwar composed by Rahbani Brothers for Fairuz.
Maqam ‘ajamdo, featuring Rana Mroue.
6. Mohammed Fawzi Medley composed by Muhammad Fawzi
(1918-1966). Maqams: Hijaz dokah, Nahawand dokah, Rast Nawa.
Arranged by Sari Dowidar.
7. Ulli a’mallak ayh albi composed by Muhammed Abd
el-Wahab (1907-1991). Maqam Huzam featuring Husain Resan.
8. Aswat Youth Ensemble
1. A’tini in-Nay music for piano by Najib Hankash,
featuring Sacha Moufarrej on piano.
2. Nassam ‘alayna al Hawa text and music by Rahbani
Brothers, featuring Sabine Moufarrej.
3. La Inte Habibi by Rahbani brothers. Arrangement for
piano by Antoine Farah and Najat Farah Nohre, featuring
Karim Abedrabbo on piano.
9. Wajhun min al-Madi, composed by Husain Resan from
Aswat. Taqsim on the violin by Husain Resan.
10. Dame la Libertad (Spanish/Arabic) composed by Juan Pene
Lebrijano, featuring Lina Del-Roble, Yates Brown on Guitar.
11. Bil-Ladhi Askara a muwashshah of an unknown composer on
¾ beat. Maqam Bayati dokah. Arrangement by Sari Dowidar.
Taqsim on cello by Sarah Michael.
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Qadduka al Mayas
(The Slender-waisted Beloved)
O, my beloved and my life,
you are like a lilac branch in full bloom.
You are the prettiest in my eyes.
My beloved and I are in the garden,
with rose bushes surrounding us.
And now I pray, let no envious people come in between,
to separate us.
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Billadhee Askara
The nights concealed the secret of our passion.
Their darkness could have hidden us forever, but for the
sunlight of new days, when our lucky star fell straight down
with a good omen for a brighter day.
The scent and the tan of your lips sipping from goblets, your
dark and beautiful eyelids, and your teeth like pearls made
magic bow and get closer to your beauty.
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Masters of Ceremony: Christine Stouffer and Jose-Antonio Nasser
MUSIC PROGRAM PART 2
1. Al Hubb Al- Awwal composed by Muhammad Abd
el-Wahab (1907-1991). Maqam ‘ajamdo. Taqsim on the violin by
Rima Ayyash.
2. Adduka Al Mayyas Qad Halabi of a Turkish folk song on 4/4
beat. Maqam Hijaz Dokah. Music and choral arrangement by Sari
Dowidar, featuring Barney Jones, Taqsim on ‘oud by Bashar
Kellow.
3. Risalah min taht il-maa’ composed by Mohammad al Mawgi
(1923-1995) for Abdel Halim Hafez (1929-1977). Maqam ‘ajam sol,
featuring Marwan Mero.
4. Al-Ghulal Al-Ginawi, taqtuqah by Sayyid Darwish (1892-
1923) on 4/4 beat. Maqam Rast. Arranged by Sari Dowidar.
Taqsim on violin by Husain Resan.
5. Siret el-Hob composed by Baligh Hamdi (1934-1993) for Um
Kulthum (1902-1975), Maqam Rahat Al- Arwah, featuring Gunsu
Temirer. Taqsim on Nay by Hector Bezanis.
6. Taqsim on Percussion by Louay Dahbour.
7. Kan ‘inna Tahun composed by Rahbani brothers for Fairuz.
Maqam Nahawand dokah, featuring Hala Fauzi, Barney Jones on
Trumpet and Yates Brown on Guitar.
8. Ya Ghusnu Naqa a muwashshah on ¾ beat. Maqam Huzam.
Taqsim on ‘oud by Ala Kallel.
9. Taqsim on violin by Sari Dowidar; Aswat guest conductor.
10. Palestinian Medley: Dal’ona, Ya Zarifa at-Tul and Jafra,
featuring two debke dancers, Rana Mroue from Aswat and
Muhammad Al-Shurafah from Al-Juthoor Dance Company.
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Asmar Al loon (The Brown colored beloved)
O you tan skinned lover,
O my sweet brown one.
O my darling Leila,
I'm tired of being tossed around.
My eyes are full of tears and sadness,
and I'm afraid to talk about my longing for you,
for someone may prevent us from being together.
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Ulli A’mallak Ayh albi
(Tell me what my heart did to you)
Tell me what my heart did to you. My heart that you are ignoring.
Tell me who I should bring to read my thoughts to you, and who
would listen to my words, my passion, and my love. Where were
you hiding all this indifference? Could you tell me what's wrong
between us?
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Il Hilwa Di
[That Pretty One]
That pretty one got up to knead at dawn, while the
rooster crowed.
Let us go and seek our sustenance.
Daylight appeared on empty pockets, no one is in
worse state than the workmen.
Patience has become endless.
Toughen up Abou Salah, just depend on the Lord, and
let us get going for time is wasting.
13

Tayr al wirwar
[The Bee Eater (bird)]
Dear Bee Eater, pass by the loved ones, give them my regards
and let me know how they fare. On the hills of the
forgotten sun and the yellow Sycamore leaves, we fly and
arise slowly until the world becomes smaller. In the fig
orchards, November calls. Often in the silence of the
moon, I hear your voice calling me, I fear my parent may
awake one night and the secrets sadly wear out.
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Dame la Libertad (Spanish/Arabic)
Dame la libertad del agua de los mares
Dame la libertad de la tormenta
Dame la libertad de la tierra misma
Dame la libertad de la tormenta
Dame la libertad del aire
Dame la libertad de los pájaros de las marismas
Vagadores de las sendas nunca vistas
De noche mi corazón conmigo mismo pelea
Si eso no es mal vivir, que venga Dios y lo vea
Al moro me fui a buscarte, en tu casa me metí
Y ahora que estamos juntitos, a ver quién me aparta a mi
Dame la libertad del agua de los mares
Dame la libertad de la tormenta
Dame la libertad de la tierra misma
Dame la libertad del aire
Dame la libertad de los pájaros de las marismas
Vagadores de las sendas nunca vistas
Unos le rezan a Dios y otros le rezan a Alá
Y hay quién se quea callao que es su forma de rezar
A ver si llega la hora, a ver si tú te das cuenta
Que lo que está bien predio, ni se busca ni se encuentra
Dame la libertad del agua de los mares
Dame la libertad de la tormenta
Dame la libertad de la tierra misma
Dame la libertad del aire
Dame la libertad de los pájaros de las marismas
Varaderos de las sendas nunca vistas
Give me the freedom of the oceans and the seas
Give me the freedom of the storm
Give me the freedom of the very land itself
Give me the freedom of the air and sky
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