Oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma returns with regional takes on Spanish classics

Go online and hear the splendour of one of the region’s signature instruments, the oud.

After thrilling audiences with three virtual performances in May and June, Iraqi composer Naseer Shamma returns tonight for another streamed concert showcasing the history and impact of the oud.

Where previous virtual gigs had him exploring the instrument's flexibility with eclectic performances of Mozart and Umm Kulthum pieces, this time around the musical action moves to Spain.

Shamma will join students at Abu Dhabi's Bait Al Oud conservatory to conduct a programme featuring regional takes on classic Hispanic tracks including Malaguena and Andalusia by Armando Rumba, Tic Tico by Zequinha de Abreu, Cancion del Mariachi by Paco Renteria, and Por una Cabeza by Carlos Gardel. The performance is to be conduced by Shamma.

The concert is part of the Visits from Bait Al Oud series and will stream from 9pm on the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi YouTube page.

Announcing the series in May, Shamma said the aim of the performances was to spread happiness in these uncertain times.

“In trying times such as these, it is important to continually foster a sense of community and togetherness, and to spread hope as much as we can,” he says.

“I’ve found that one of the best ways to deliver the message of hope is through music. The Visits from Bait Al Oud series has enabled my friends and I to safely be invited into homes around the world to share a message of hope and solidarity.”

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Priority access to new homes from participating developers
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Recipes to try

Zatar chicken from the kitchen star Dalia Dogmoch Soubra

Oatcakes with lemon and zatar

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What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

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