The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of the Umsiyat series of outdoor concerts at Umm Al Emarat Park yesterday with a performance by Iraqi singer Farida Mohammad Ali.

Featuring both traditional and modern compositions, Farida Mohammad Ali’s performance included works by important Arab poets alongside a selection of hits by Iraqi singers of the 1940s and 1950. The programme’s modern musical section was composed by Muhammad Husayn Kumar, accompanied by traditional Iraqi instruments.

Celebrating traditional and modern music from the wider region and beyond, the three-day series will continue today at 8pm with a performance by Javed Ali, one of India’s best playback singers. Ali will perform a unique concert involving both traditional and Bollywood songs in various languages including Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Assamese.

The third and final concert in the Umsiyat series will see Tunisian superstar Lofti Bouchnak performing alongside 16 musicians on Wednesday 10th January at 8pm. Considered one of the best tenors in the region, Lofti is known as Tunisia’s "Pavarotti" and has been involved in a wide range of musical productions ranging from the songs of Umm Kulthoum and chants, to contemporary popular songs.



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