Ahead of her live performance at Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi on 28 November

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 26 November 2007: Specialist and professional performer of traditional Middle Eastern folk and Arabo Andalusian songs, Syriac and Ancient Maronite chants, Ghada Shbeir, met fans at Virgin Megastore, Mall of the Emirates today to launch her latest album 'Qawaleb'.

Shbeir is known for her exquisite talent and the ability to move easily and with professionalism from traditional folk songs to religious chants. She has earned frequent comparison to some of the best Middle Eastern singers. Shbeir was this years BBC Awards for World Music, Middle East and North Africa 2007 winner.

In her latest album 'Qawaleb' she tries to convey that there is no 'classical' musical phrase and no 'modern' one. As she says on her CD sleeve, "Great tunes are eternal, they retain their magic for decades and even centuries".

Elie El Massih, Marketing Manager, Virgin Megastore says, "It is an honour to have the likes of Ghada Shbeir at our premises to launch her latest album. She is truly an inspiration to up and coming artists from the region."

During her years of study Shbeir devoted herself to the research of Traditional Oriental Middle Eastern music and religious chants. The categories in which she performs are AlKasida, (literally a classical Arabic poem) is a song whose text is written in classical Arabic; AlMawwal, provides vocals used in Egyptian "shaabi" music, the toast of Cairo's working class neighbourhoods, focused around storytelling.

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About Virgin Megastore:
Virgin Megastore is a global leader in retail entertainment with stores in 50 countries throughout the globe, including the Middle East. A one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs, Virgin Megastore offers a wide range of products, including CDs, books, games, movies and the latest in technology. Virgin Megastore offers an innovative entertainment destination for the young and young at heart with its unique shopping experience. Catering to local cultures through events, activities and support of local artists in each market it enters, Virgin Megastore is truly a global brand with local flavor.

For media enquiries, contact:  
Emilie Loivet                                                                                        
Buchanan Middle East                                        
Mob: +971 50 881 9313                                    
Fax: +971 4 369 8556                                                        
emilie.loivet@buchananme.com                    

© Press Release 2007