Mohamed Al-Ghoom
Mohamed Al-Ghoom (Arabic: محمد القحوم; born in 1991 (age 33)) is a Yemeni composer and maestro known for his efforts in preserving and promoting Yemeni musical heritage on an international scale.[2] He is the founder of the Heritage Symphonies project, which combines traditional Yemeni music with orchestral styles to showcase the country's cultural heritage internationally. He has organized and conducted concerts in various countries including Malaysia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and France. These performances highlight Yemeni traditional instruments and dances alongside classical orchestral music. Al-Ghoom aims to bring attention to Yemen's cultural richness and to inspire global audiences while preserving its traditions. Despite the challenges of Yemen's circumstances, Al-Ghoom has made a notable impact in the music scene.[3][4] Early lifeAl-Ghoom was born in the city of Tarim in Hadhramaut, Yemen.[5] Musical careerOn April 2019, Al-Ghoom presented his first international concert titled "Hope from the depth of pain" held in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. Al-Ghoom led a musical band of 90 musicians, 30 of whom were from Hadhramaut, on traditional Hadrami musical and percussion instruments, while the rest were from China, India, Malaysia, Japan, and Uzbekistan.[3][4][2] On March 10 of the same year, al-Ghoom led a second orchestral concert entitled "Yemeni melody on the banks of the Nile" in Cairo, presenting Yemeni and Egyptian musical genres.[4][6] On October 2023, a concert was held in Paris where Al-Ghoom performed in the Mogador Theatre with more than 1,500 live viewers.[6] This event features 70 musicians, presenting pieces inspired by Yemeni heritage and classical music.[3][6] The concert of 10 musical pieces was aimed "to transform the world's perception of Yemen through its rich musical tapestry".[6] Each of the symphonies had its own story, for example, the first symphony entitled "El-Kasir" is a form of marine singing performed by Yemeni fishermen. The second, “War and Peace,” expresses a folk dance symbolizing war and reconciliation.[4] On 19 November 2024, the "Yemeni Orchestra" was held at the King Fahad Cultural Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event was attended by Assistant Minister of Culture, Rakan Altouq and Yemen's Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Moammar Al Eryani.[7][8] See alsoReferences
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