Present
An Evening in Amman
to celebrate the Launch of
The Jordanian National Orchestra Association (JOrchestra)
Featuring music of Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Sukkaria,
Marquez and Brahms
Conductor
Mohammed Uthman Sidiq
Tuesday, 24 June 2014 – 7:00 pm, Al Hussein Cultural Center – Ras Al Ein
jorchestra.com
JOrchestra Grand Opening
June 24th 2014
Welcoming Note
Rana Rizkallah
- HE Mr. Akel Biltaji, Mayor of Amman
Program
Fledermaus Overture
Piano Concerto No.1 (1st Movement)
J. Strauss
P. Tchaikovsky
Ghadeer Ubeido-Piano (NMC Student)
I Love you Amman
H. Sukkaria
Natalie Samaan
Dance No.2
A. Marquez
Hungarian Dance No.5
J. Brahms
Abdo Nassar (NMC Student)
Tico Tico
Z. de Abreu
- HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, JOrchestra President
Program
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Fledermaus Overture
J. Strauss
Die Fledermaus is an operetta composed by Johann
Strauss II (1874) to a German libretto by Karl
Haffner (1804-1876) and Richard Genée (1823-1895),
the first Performance was (1874-04-05) in Vienna at
Theater an der Wien.
The original source for Die Fledermaus is Das
Gefängnis (The Prison), a farce by German playwright
Julius Roderich Benedix (1811–1873). Another source is
the French vaudeville play Le réveillon, by Henri Meilhac
and Ludovic Halévy, which was first translated by
Karl Haffner into a non-musical play to be produced
in Vienna. However, the peculiarly French custom of
the réveillon (a New Year’s Eve supper party) caused
problems, which were solved by the decision to adapt
the play as a libretto for Johann Strauss, with the
réveillon replaced by a Viennese ball. At this point
Haffner’s translation was handed over for adaptation
to Richard Genée, who subsequently claimed not only
that he had made a fresh translation from scratch
but that he had never even met Haffner.
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Piano Concerto No.1 1st Movement)
P. Tchaikovsky
Ghadeer Ubeido-Piano (NMC Student)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 was
composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky between
November 1874 and February 1875. It was revised in
the summer of 1879 and again in December 1888.
The first version received heavy criticism from Nikolai
Rubinstein, Tchaikovsky’s desired pianist. Rubinstein
later repudiated his previous accusations and became
a fervent champion of the work.
It is one of the most popular of Tchaikovsky’s
compositions and among the best known of all piano
concerti.
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I Love you Amman
H. Sukarieh
Natalie Samaan
Words by Ali Al-Btiri, I Love you Amman was
presented at the Opera house in Cairo by Amman
Symphony Orchestra and Damascus Symphony
Orchestra, the singers Rose Al Wirr and Natalie
Samaan sang this song, which combines music with
Western and Arabic singing by using a mixture of
modern and traditional harmony also using the Arabic
and Western scales.
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Dance No.2
A. Marquez
Dance No. 2 for Orchestra is a composition by
prominent Mexican composer Arture Marquez. It is
one of the most popular and significant frequently
performed Mexican contemporary classical music
composition performed by Orchestra.
The piece focuses on accents rather than time
signature, thus the tempo might seem to vary even
though it doesn’t, however the precision in every
measure remains constant. This contemporary
Mexican music literature expresses and reflects on a
typical Cuban dance style called Danzon. The Danzon
has its origins in Cuba but is a very important part of
the folklore of the state of Veracruz, where Arturo
Marquez got his inspiration while visiting a ballroom.
A short film was made in 2009 using the piece as
the main narrative device, in a Fantasia-like manner.
It is set in Mexico City in the 1940s, the golden age
of danzon, and the style is homage to the Mexican
cinema of the period. The film features Arturo
Marquez in a cameo as the pianist of the dance-hall.
It was premiered at the 8th Morelia Film Festival as
part of its official lineup.
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Hungarian Dance No.5
J. Brahms
Abdo Nassar (NMC Student)
The Hungarian Dances (German) by Johannes Brahms
(WoO 1) are a set of 21 lively dance tunes based
mostly on Hungarian themes, completed in 1869.
They vary from about a minute to four minutes
in length. They are among Brahms’s most popular
works, and were certainly the most profitable for
him. Each dance has been arranged for a wide variety
of instruments and ensembles. Brahms originally
wrote the version for piano four-hands and later
arranged the first 10 dances for solo piano.
Only numbers 11, 14 and 16 are entirely original
compositions. The most famous Hungarian Dance
is No. 5 in F # minor, but even this dance was based
on the csárdás by Béla Kéler titled “Bártfai emlék”
which Brahms mistakenly thought was a traditional
folksong.
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Tico Tico
Z. de Abreu
Tico-Tico no Fubá is the title of a renowned Brazilian
choro music piece composed by Zequinha de Abreu
in 1917. Its original title was Tico-Tico no Farelo, but
since Brazilian guitarist Américo Jacomino Canhoto
(1889–1928) had a work with the same title, Abreu’s
work was given its present name in 1931.
Choro is also popularly known as chorinho in the
affectionate diminutive form of Brazilian Portuguese.
“tico-tico” is the name of a bird, the rufous-collared
sparrow. Hence, “tico-tico no fubá” means “sparrow
in the cornmeal”.
The first recording of the work was made by
Orquestra Colbaz (Columbia 22029, 1931).
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Tico Tico
Z. de Abreu
Tico-Tico no Fubá was recorded and made popular
internationally by Carmen Miranda (who performed
it onscreen in Copacabana (1947)) and Ray Conniff.
Another well-known recording was made by first lady
of the organ, Ethel Smith on the Hammond organ.
A biographical movie by the same title was produced
in 1952 by the Brazilian film studio Companhia
Cinematográfica Vera Cruz with Anselmo Duarte
playing the main role.
The song was also featured in the “Aquarela do
Brasil” segment of the Walt Disney film Saludos
Amigos (1942) and in Woody Allen’s Radio Days (1987).
It was also featured in the MGM filmBathing Beauty
(1943).
The expression also features in the lyrics to the
song O Pato made famous by João Gilberto.
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JOrchestra
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Began his piano studies at six years of age. After completing his
diploma in piano at the Music and Ballet School in Baghdad, he
received a scholarship to study at the Gnesins State Academy of
Music in Moscow, where he completed his Master’s Degree in Piano
and Conducting. In 1991, he was appointed the conductor of the
Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra. It was during this period that he
won the First Award in the 2nd Baghdad Composition Competition.
In 1994, he was appointed the resident conductor of the Orchestra
of the National Music Conservatory in Amman, Jordan.
MOHAMMED UTHMAN SIDIQ
conductor
As a composer, compositions by Mr. Sidiq have been performed
in Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, Algeria,
USA, Italy, South Korea, England, Germany, Turkey and France. In
the summer of 2000, he was awarded the Grand Award in the 6th
Arab Song Competition in Cairo, Egypt for his arrangement of a
Jordanian song. In Dec, 2002 another of his compositions won
the First Award in the 2nd Jordanian Song Festival.
Maestro Sidiq has conducted many orchestras, including: the
German Bruchsal Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Iraqi National
Symphony Orchestra, the Egyptian Cairo Chamber Orchestra, the
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, the Syrian Symphony Orchestra
and the Orchestra of Peace in France.
In addition to conducting the Amman Symphony Orchestra
he is also the conductor of JOrchestra, and the Director of the
National Music Conservatory.
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Completed his studies in composing and conducting from the
High Arabic Music Conservatory/ Arts Academy in Cairo in the
year 1992, he got a Royal decree as an appreciation for his role
in Jordan’s music scene, to obtain his PHD in 2011. Today, he is
the head of Music Department at the Jordan University, and a
conducting teacher.
He conducted the Jordanian Orchestra in many formal
ceremonies, Arabic festivals, Jordan Song Festival (1st, 2nd, 3rd
and 4th), Jerash Festival, and other public concerts with Jordanian
and Arab singers, he participated in the Opera House of Cairo,
and has many compositions such as “Sun Set in Wadi Rum”, “ Sun
Rise in Wadi Rum”, Petra” and others.
Heitham Sukarieh
Natalie was born 1995 in Amman into a family who appreciated
music, and enriched her with the classical Arab music (Tarab
music), which influenced her singing talent. At the age of nine
Natalie started singing at concerts and school plays, and in 2006
she joined the National Music Conservatory and studied Arabic
singing and Oud.
Her first professional appearance was in 30/1/2007 when she
sang accompanying Amman Symphony Orchestra and Amman
Arab Music Ensemble in the occasion of the birthday of King
Abdullah ΙΙ.
Natalie received an appreciation award from the National Music
Conservatory through her participation in the musical concert
called “Young Geniuses”.
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Natalie Samaan
An avid and passionate musician, Ghadeer was involved in music
at the age of 14: teaching music, accompanying students and
performing in a variety of styles in a number of notable venues
around the world.
Today, she aims to complete her Bachelors in Music Performance
at the National Music Conservatory. Her experience ranges from
performing classical music as a soloist and accompanist, to
composing film score for Two Four 54 in Abu Dhabi as well as
composing and rearranging pieces for live performances and
playing them in events such as “TEDx Youth” in Dubai and the
“Carleton Fusion Ensemble Showcase” in Ottawa.
Ghadeer Ubeido
Having been able to participate in events and workshops in cities
like Paris, Kuala Lumpur, Manama, as well as Dubai and Amman;
Ghadeer is a firm believer in the power of music to bridge cultures.
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A miracle in the shape of Abdo Nassar, the student of 13 years old,
who started playing the violin at the age of six years, and showed
early talent in experiencing music. His father was credited with
the discovery of his son’s early talent, where he therefore enrolled
him at the National Music Conservatory to study music.
Abdo participated in several concerts at the National Orthodox
School, and in the First Creative Children’s Art Festival, which was
organized by Mr. Ghassan Al-Masshini at the Cultural Palace in
2013, where he composed and performed a short piece for Violin,
and obtained the Festival’s award. Christmas 2013 witnessed the
participation of Abdo in the Choir of Yanbou’a Al-Mahabbah,
being the youngest player among the participants.
Abdo is still receiving his musical classes and being taught at the
National Music Conservatory, and is currently playing with the
NMC Young Orchestra as Concert Master, urged and encouraged
by his great ambitious to complete his musical studies.
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Abdo Nassar
JOrchestra members
MOHAMMED UTHMAN SIDIQ , conductor
Violin I
Nabih Bulos Concert Master
Anna Nazzal
Yasser Khalid
Mohammed Rasheed
Obeida Madi
Jafar Hashem
Idunn Lohne
Jumanah Hassan
Violin I I
Laith Sidiq, Principle
Zinab Alsamuraai
Elsy Melkonian
Celina Kishek
Dalia Hammad
Shafik Suifan
Wasan Dmor
Ward Haddadin
Viola
Vardan Petrosyan, Principle
Nouran Meho
George Nassar
Abdulraheem Khatib
Lana Sbeih
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Cello
Fadi Hattar, Principle
Khaled Balawii
Lutfi Malhas
Dana Sbeih
Laith Abu Khader
Ahmad Radaida
Bass
Bassem Aljaber
Basel Abu Khader
Flute
Samer Ghosheh
Megan Madison
Oboe
Ahmed Ali
Haneen Hamadah
Clarinet
Daniel Radu
Antoune Oun
Noaman Fayad
Bassoon
Florin Simion
Angelica Zamfir
French Horn
Sabastian Mircea Botea
Agha Aliyve
Caroline Sweiss
Awni Khashashneh
Trumpet
Hind Sabanekh
Rayan Qaqish
Trombone
Paul Constantin
Tomomi Hobino
Jamal Nassar
Tuba
Dima Abdeen
Percussion
Aurelian Alexandru Despa
Mohammed Taha
Hisham Hudrub
Dalila Comargo
Nadeen Qubain
Piano
Rania Ejelat
The Jordanian National Orchestra Association (JOrchestra) is
the brainchild of His Excellency Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh who was
entrusted by Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein, Founder and
Chairperson of the King Hussein Foundation’s National Music
Conservatory, to revive Jordan’s National Orchestra, an initiative
destined to celebrate creativity, artistry and musical excellence.
The year 2014 will witness a new era of excellence and a
continuation of the work of Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein
on the Amman Symphony Orchestra (ASO) which was established
in 2007, by National Music Conservatory with support of Greater
Amman Municipality.
The ASO was successful in providing the society with the
opportunity to experience music through the works of great
composers, visiting conductors, and fine soloists.
His Excellency Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, a Jordanian philanthropist
and businessman and patron of the arts, aspires to instill
overarching passion for music across Jordan and to make music
appreciation available to all.
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Jordanian National Orchestra
Association
The Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization
(TAG-Org) is the largest global group of
professional and educational services
firms operating out of 80 offices
worldwide. TAG-Org is well aware of and
experienced in all aspects of the regional
economic environment, including the
social and regulatory factors governing it.
We recognize the need to systematically
develop Arab institutions in order to build
a solid future.
TAG-Org is meeting this challenge by
providing highly experienced specialists
who anticipate economic and social
trends and evaluate alternatives to
determine the most creative solutions for
both present and future challenges.
His Excellency Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh,
TAG-Org’s chairman is widely recognized
as a philanthropic businessman at the
leading edge of change.
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization
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Nothing ignites Abu-Ghazaleh’s senses except music, his passion for music in unmatched
and intact and in 2013 he received a Royal request by Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein
to revive the Amman Symphony Orchestra, a mission he passionately accepted.
As the patron of the Freunde der Salzburger Festspâele, Lebanese National Symphony
Orchestra, and L’Association pour le Rayonnement de l’Opéra National de Paris, the Second
Modernity: The Artistic Collaboration of Fairuz and Ziad Rahbani Conference, Anis Makdisi
Program in Literature, American University in Beirut (AUB), Lebanon, and Walid Gholmieh
Symphonies in addition to Private Concert by Ramzy Yassa and Ghada Ghanem, the
Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg in addition to others.
Abu-Ghazaleh’s world of music can only be described as influential and inspirational.
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With a vision to educate and train skilled musicians, the NMC
assumed its duties in 1986 with an initiative from Her Majesty Queen
Noor. Since then it has practiced a leading role in up-grading the
level of music education and music appreciation, awareness and
promotion of musical arts in broad sectors of the local community.
The NMC has also established close ties with local and international
music organizations and enjoys a prestigious position in the various
local, Arab and international arenas.
It was clear from the beginning of the NMC’s programs that
founding a student orchestra would be the best way to provide
an opportunity for young people to develop the necessary skills
in ensemble playing. Common to all of the best orchestras in
the cultural capitals of the world, the NMC recognized that the
orchestra should be the best place to challenge students to meet
the standards of technical excellence and musicianship.
THE NATIONAL MUSIC
CONSERVATORY (NMC)
The NMC has two educational divisions, a college for higher
education and a preparatory for young students and amateurs.
Different professional performing groups were developed over the
years. They form an integral part of the cultural scene and provide
the local youth with genuine competitive job opportunities as
professional full-time musicians. The performing groups were:
Amman Symphony Orchestra, Amman Symphonietta, Amman
Arab Music Ensemble, and still till now Amman String Quartet,
Amman Woodwind Quintet, Amman Brass Quintet, Amman Arab
Music Quintet, Al-Mahabish Ensemble.
The NMC is one of the educational and cultural projects of the King
Hussein Foundation concerned with providing music education
and cultural services for the community and does not seek profit
in adherence to the developmental and humanitarian character of
the mother Foundation.
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