Event Details

Founded in 2009 by Lamees Audeh and Wafa Al Zaghal, and incorporated in 2015, the Canadian Arabic Orchestra (CAO) explores the fusion of Western and Eastern musical traditions. Central to the organization’s mandate is a mission to dispel negative misconceptions of Arabic cultures by presenting musical performances that celebrate “the international language of music and song”. The organization has formed a partnership with the Festival du Monde Arabe in Montreal who have been producing festivals in Quebec for 19 years. The partnership allows the organizations to jointly select artists and share costs by synchronizing performances between Ontario and Quebec. The Orchestra’s seasonal programs consist of 14 to 16 annual concerts.

This application is for the inaugural “Festival of Arabic Music and Arts”, taking place at various venues around the GTA between October 27 and November 12, 2017. The two week (15 concert) series will present local and international artists (of both Arab and non-Arab heritage) to communities around Ontario. The orchestra will perform a variety of Eastern and Western compositions including “Trancestral”, which combines Soufi and Canadian First Nations music. Each concert will feature a different artist with their own interpretation of music from their particular part of the Arab World.

The Festival will include the following concerts:

1. October 27 - Opening: Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, and the Aga Khan Museum Toronto;

2. October 28 - Koerner Hall, Toronto;

3. October 29 - Living Arts Centre Mississauga;

4. October 31 - Eaton Centre, Toronto (free concert);

5. November 1 - Prentice Hall, Mississauga;

6. November 2 - City Centre Mississauga (free concert);

7. November 3 - Jane Mallet Hall, Toronto;

8. November 4 - Lester Pearson Theatre, Brampton;

9. November 5 - York University Hall, Toronto;

10. November 7 - City Hall, Toronto (free concert);

11. November 8 - Revue Cinema, Toronto;

12. November 9, City Hall, Mississauga (free concert);

13. November 7 - Aga Khan Museum, Toronto;

14. November 12 - Hammerson Hall Living Arts Centre, Mississauga.

Other partners include the Arab Community Centre of Toronto and Mabelle Arts.