Oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros returns to the region

JOSEPH Tawadros is no stranger to these parts, having often performed in the region to rapturous audiences over the years. In a limited season of solo concerts, the virtuoso adds Byron Bay to his schedule on February 1.

The eight-time ARIA award-winning oud player is known for his diversity, sensitivity and technique. He is an engaging and joyous performer, forming an effortless rapport with his audience.

The oud is the Arabic ancestor of the lute and modern guitar with which the Tawadros name is now inextricable. The Cairo-born, Australian-based world citizen seamlessly blends world music, jazz and classical music in his original and traditional Arabic-inspired works.

He records and performs as a soloist, in duo with his brother James on Egyptian percussion, with his jazz quartet and with major chamber orchestras and symphony orchestras in Australia and worldwide. He was the first and only Australian composer to be performed by the UK’s Academy of Ancient Music.

He was one of the 50 Australian composers selected to write a fanfare celebrating the Sydney Opera House’s 50th birthday, and was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for services to music in 2016.

His repertoire of innovative, original music has led to innumerable collaborations. He has recorded with many legends, including John Abercrombie, Jack de Johnette, Roy Ayers, John Patitucci, Bela Fleck, Mike Stern, and Christian McBride. Classical collaborations include Richard Tognetti, William Barton, The Grigoryan Brothers and Gurrumul.

His virtuosic music is featured in many film and television productions, including Ali’s Wedding, The Last Days of Yasser Arafat, Paper Giants, The Birth of Cleo, The Water Diviner, Checkpoint, The Tentmakers of Cairo, Love Marriage in Kabul, House of Cards and The Last Ride.

In 2023, he performed the premiere of his new work, The Three Stages of Hindsight, with the prestigious Britten Sinfonia and performed a record-breaking 25 hours of continuous playing at the Kings College Chapel in London, raising £25,000 for charity.

Tawadros has most recently toured America performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and debuted as a soloist with the Canadian Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal.

The Times UK described him as ‘an exhilarating player, delivering mercurial mastery and summoning more haunting atmospheres’.

But Northern Rivers audiences know that already and welcome his return with open ears.

For tickets, visit byroncentre.com.au/theatre-events/joseph-tawadros