Visiting ensemble promoting cultural diversity

MELBOURNE-BASED multicultural group Tarab Ensemble will be bringing their classical Arabic renditions to the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts this Sunday.

The concert, titled Arabian Waves, will see the group perform a range of traditional pieces in what founder Yousef Alreemawi said will expose the community to a cultural music “mosaic.”

“From Oman in the east to Morocco in the west, this is the home of our music. We have songs from Lebanon, from Syria, from Iraq, all across our cultures,” he said.

“We try to reflect the diversity and richness of classical Arabic music, and we look forward to bringing this kind of music to the first time to Ballarat.”

Tarab Ensemble grew out of the Averroes Centre of Arab Culture, and originally comprised of five Arabic performers before expanding to include people of Australian, Iranian and Venezuelan backgrounds.

The now eight-piece group will be performing songs from the 20th century and beyond, including pieces by famed Arabic performers Abdel Wahab and Umm Kulthum.

Their Ballarat debut will be Tarab’s second regional appearance, and Alreemawi said the group seeks to do more than just entertain a new audience.

“We are driven by promoting mutual understanding between the Arabic-speaking people and wider regional Australia,” he said.

“Music is one of the universal languages. It’s what brings people together and bridges cultures and stops division.

“Yes, there is music and entertainment, but there’s also a mission behind what we’re trying to do.”

Tickets will cost $28, and are available via bit.ly/3xGWFxn.