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ASWAT Choir was founded in San Francisco in January 2000. The founder, Nabila Mango, is a Palestinian American, who is tremendously dedicated and active in the Bay Area community, took the initiative to create this family for the mere love of Arabic Music.
The family grew, but the motive stayed the same. It is to enjoy the music, enhance the pride in the Arabic Heritage and introduce the beauty of that heritage to all neighbors in the community.
ASWAT is a community ensemble for classical and folk Arabic music. It performs Muwashahat (Arabic poetry, sung in the tradition of Andalusia, Spain) as well as traditional and contemporary songs from the Arab World. It features a talented group of musicians playing the Oud, Qanun, Violin, Daff, and Durbeck.
During its short life, Aswat has achieved a professional level of competence and has made appearances in numerous colleges, universities, festivals and conferences in the Bay Area and Seattle, including the Golden Gate Science Academy.
The group consists of about twenty singers and musicians from different parts of the world and welcomes anyone who is interested or even curious about Arabic music.
Aswat is part of ZAWAYA, a non-profit forum that provides instruction and presentation of Arabic art, poetry, literature, and all aspects of the culture.
To support Aswat with your presence, membership or encouragement is a most worthwhile step towards raising awareness of the rich Arabic Heritage and culture through the beauty of its music.
Listen to a Radio Show about ASWAT at KALW Public Radio
What People Say about ASWAT's Performances?
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" we thank you for making it such a very special evening. You indeed honored us with your presence and your generosity. As you could tell, the entire audience was enchanted by the beauty of your music. You truly fulfilled ASWAT's mission to build bridges, and I am grateful beyond words. Someone once wrote that the world will be saved by beauty, and we moved a little closer to that salvation last night. Thank you for your part in making peace through music."
Peace and blessings,
Anne
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"Thank you for giving us and all the audience such an enjoyable and a memorable night. That was really a "Laylat Tarab Mubdiaah", and a first class program which exceeded all expectations. You have assembled a beautiful array of artistic talent from conductor, musicians, vocalists and "The Chorus", we felt the recreation of Al-Andalus in San-Ferdaws. We are very proud of you for creating and presenting such a rich, entertaining and wonderful show. A milestone which enriched our community and made us proud."
Thank you Nabila for a job well done.
Jamil, Karen and Sharif
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Hi Nabila!
I loved the concert on Saturday! It was so energetic, colorful and rich in emotions! I had a great time!
Rita
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What a wonderful show. We really enjoyed our selves. My husband thanked me for insisting that he comes with us. Thanks for all your efforts.
Salaam,
Hana
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"My friend and I really enjoyed the concert. The music was amazing, performance was uplifting!
Thank you for your consideration!
Best, Annie
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It's sure it was a great concert, very will organized and went very smoothly. I really enjoy it. what a great team! Thank you again for the amazing work you are doing, you have the blessing from Allah.
Malika ( Aswat concert Volunteer)
practice schedule for the upcoming season:
Every practice will be from 2-5 p.m.2-3 musicians practice with Wael and Arabic with Lana/Nabila3-5 ASWAT practice with Wael
Please keep in mind the following practice dates: January 27- from 2-5 with Wael. Musicians: please arrive on time.
February 10
February 24
(Keep Saturday, February 23 after 7:30 p.m. open to celebrate Wael's birthday. More details to follow...)
March 9 with WaelMarch 16 with AlaMarch 23 Easter-No practiceMarch 30 with Wael
April 13 with WaelApril 27 with Wael
May 4 with WaelMay 18
May 30 (Friday evening) with Wael
CONCERT on May 31 at College of San Mateo, starting at 7:30 p.m.Please take note of all dates. A calendar will be distributed at practice also.
Classical & Folkloric Arabic Music by ASWAT
ASWAT is directed now by Wael Kakish, the artistic director of Kan Zaman in LA.Aswat is planning its next concert at the College of San Mateo on Saturday, December 1, 2007.
If you would like to join Aswat as a volunteer, if you play an instrument, or like to sing, now is the time to get involved in the Bay Area's Only Arabic Music Ensemble. We will teach you the music and singing in Arabic; no prior experience necessary for vocalists.
The group rehearses approximately every other Sunday. Practices run
from 2-5 PM, preliminary session at 2 p.m. is held to train non-Arabic-speaking
vocalists in the Arabic lyrics and pronunciation.
Rehearsals are held at the Arab Cultural Center, 2 Plaza Avenue in San Francisco.Parking is plentiful and it is also accessible by public transportation.
Rehearsal for the December 1st concert are scheduled on:
Sunday, August 5, 12, and 26
Sunday, September 9 and 23
Sunday, October 7 and 21
Sunday, November 4, 18, and Friday, November 30
We have opening for vocalists & instrumentalists who can play violin, viola, cello, oud, percussion, and qanun.
And remember, you don't have to speak Arabic and you don't have to be
an Arab. We'll teach you what you need to know.
For further information contact nabila@sbcglobal.net
Past Performances of ASWAT
| October 22, 2000 |
Arab Cultural Festival - Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. |
| February 10, 2001 |
California Academy of Science, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. |
| April 22, 2001 |
Arab Cultural Center Banquet - Spanish Cultural Center, San Francisco, California. |
| May 15, 2001 |
Norte Dame College of San Mateo, Belmont, California. |
| June 2, 2001 |
Lailat Tarab. San Jose State University - Music Concert Hall, San Jose, California. |
| July 14-15, 2001 |
Arab Festival - Seattle, Washington. |
| April 20, 2002 |
Arab American Cultural Night, San Jose, California. |
| October 13, 2002 |
Arab Cultural Festival - Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. |
| November 9, 2002 |
Layali Ramadan; a concert of Sayyid Darwish Songs. College Heights United Church of Christ. San Mateo, California. |
| November 30, 2002 |
Tenderloin Iftar - San Francisco. |
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for more information, email info@zawaya.org
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ZAWAYA
311 - 41st Avenue, San Mateo, California 94403. Phone: 650-341-3697
email:info@zawaya.org
Copyright © 2003, ZAWAYA. All rights reserved.
Last Revised:5/12/2008
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