The Qasid Choir, led by Maestro Kamal Skiker, delivered a mesmerizing musical evening titled “Rahbaniyat” at the Arab Cultural Center in Mazza, Damascus, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Rahbani brothers.
Opening the concert with “Talet Ya Mahla Nourha”, the choir set the stage with a piece not originally by the Rahbanis but deeply reflective of their musical style. Written by the legendary Sayed Darwish and famously performed by Fairouz, the song immediately connected the audience to the rich musical heritage the Rahabnis.
The evening continued with selections from “Al-Musalaha”, a sketch by the Rahbanis that conveys the message of reconciliation and love, despite prolonged conflicts. The choir’s rendition captured the essence of unity and healing, resonating deeply with the audience.
Waleed Haj Ali, a member of the choir, took the spotlight with solo performances of beloved songs by the late Wadih El Safi, composed by the Rahbanis. His renditions of “Meen Nater?” and “Saghira w Mawladni” were met with applause, highlighting the enduring power of the Rahbani melodies.
The choir also performed iconic duets from “Soiree of Love”, the famous musical that featured the legendary collaboration between Fairouz and Wadih El Safi. The audience responded enthusiastically to “Ya Turab Ayn Toura” and “Dalli Izkorina”, while the heartfelt “Amarha” closed out the segment on a deeply emotional note.
In an interview with SANA, Maestro Skiker expressed pride in the choir’s progress, noting that despite being formed only six months ago, the 35-member ensemble – comprising singers of various ages and backgrounds – had undergone rigorous training that was evident in their flawless performance.
Skiker also stressed the importance of fostering more cultural events to further enrich Syria’s artistic scene, expressing his satisfaction with the large turnout and the audience’s passionate engagement.
The concert concluded with a stirring performance of “Awadak Rannan” on the oud, leaving the audience in awe. The crowd’s standing ovation and requests for an encore reflected their admiration for the choir’s exceptional talent. Many expressed hope that the choir would continue to grow and host more such inspiring events in the future.
