Manal Samaan speaks to her own, to others, to all others, to awaken spirits and touch souls. Following the release of her album “Byzantine Hymns” in 2009, she collaborated with artists such as Wadih el Safi and took part in numerous festivals around the world: the Cairo Jazz Festival, Mono Drama in Dubai, Jazz du Monde and the Fête de l’Olivier in Geneva. But above all, Manal Samaan gives concerts . She has performed all around the world, in Syria, Lebanon, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Armenia, Russia, Australia, Germany, France and Switzerland.
For the Fête de l’Olivier program, she wants to offer the public a rich tapestry of varied melodies. A collection of human songs and evocative love ballads, mingled with the enchanting rhythms of Moshahat and the cultural depth of Alepien Qudud. A journey to the revolutionary tunes of Sheikh Imam, then to those of Sayed Darwish and Abd al-Wahhab. The legacy of the Rahbani brothers will also be celebrated, as will the soulful compositions of Philemon Wahbe and Dhiyab Mashhour, and the songs of contemporary genius Ziad Rahbani. A program that promises an unforgettable musical experience.
Manal Samaan’s well-thought-out choice of music adds a human dimension to the evening. To plunge into the depths of the human soul, to speak of feelings, dreams, suffering and injustice. Meticulously crafted, the program echoes the hardships and adversity endured by the Syrian community. A source of immense sadness for Manal Samaan, whose music expresses the anguish of a community. Its dreams too.
