By Annalisa Lewis
UNIVERSITY CITY, SHARJAH – Vocalists and instrumentalists from the American University of Sharjah’s Performing Arts Program showcased their talents Jan. 31 at the first recital of Spring 2024 held in the Arts Building Rotunda.
The event began at 5 p.m. where Brahmishtha Bhattacharjee kicked off the performance with the song The Impossible Dream.
“Honestly, the recital is a great way to help the singers overcome their nervousness, speaking for myself, and to understand the elements of performance,” said Bhattacharjee.
Assistant Professor Dr. Albert Agha accompanied vocalist Saleha Alhmoudi on the ‘ud for her original composition Jeetak Ana (جيتك أنا). She wrote the lyrics herself and was also able to compose the tune as she herself plays the ‘ud and guitar, said Agha.
Agha added that the song’s style originates from a local poetry form known as “Shala,” indigenous to the UAE, and is common among Gulf countries though in different styles and accents. Alhmoudi used the local Emirati accent for her original piece.
The Performing Arts Program will host several musical performances this semester, including an exclusive faculty concert on Feb. 29; an Arabic Music Ensemble concert on March 6 and 7; and a choir and piano concert, Soiree Musicale, on May 9 and 10.
