Artist-in-Residence Amir ElSaffar presents Ruins أطلال: A Maqam Opera in Arabic (Concert Version)

About

Ruins \(اطلال\) is a three-act opera in Arabic, based on the epic 7th-century Arabic poems known as Al-Mu'allaqat, but set in the modern era. The opera reimagines pre-Islamic odes in the contemporary Arab world, as experienced by a young woman forced into exile and separated from her family and lover. The story begins in a refugee camp and follows her treacherous journey across the sea while her homeland is embroiled in war. The music of Ruins incorporates the maqam vocal style, as opposed to lyric singing, in addition to microtonality and improvised elements. Performed by seven singers and an orchestra of 19 instrumentalists from Middle Eastern, jazz, and classical backgrounds, plus analog modular synthesizer, the opera reimagines the modal musical system known as maqam, used in the Middle East and Central Asia, within contemporary operatic frameworks. Listed by WBGO Live Jazz.