The Heritage Ensemble for Arab Music

Farouk El-Bably

One of the main objectives Abdel Halim Nowera tried to accomplish when he founded his ensemble, was to perform classical Arab music with its richly melodic tunes, creative variation and subtle nuance

Traditionally, Arab music did not know any notation until the 20th century. Musicians varied and improvised on known pieces or models and musical pieces were subject to reinterpretation at different times or places throughout history. Abdel Halim Nowera's aim was to revive the authenticity of classical Arab music, retain distinctive traits and preserve them. He introduced unified music scores, and song texts were refined so as to enhance the mood and the meaning of the poetry. Thus, a new deferential and poised style was established.

The ensemble’s conductor is maestro Farouk El-Bably. They regularly give concerts at the Arab Music Institute, the great building that witnessed the first Conference for Arab Music in 1932 and still plays an important role in the protection of the different styles of Arab music