Egyptian classical pianist Mohamed Shams returns to New York at 8pm tonight, April 15 for his solo debut at Weill Recital Hall/Carnegie Hall, with a diverse program of works including Mendelssohn, Ravel, E. Carter, Liszt, and Egyptian composer Gamal Abdel Rahim.
Hailed as "world class" by Philippe Entremont, the celebrated pianist and conductor, and dubbed "brilliant" by host
Bob Sherman of WQXR-NY McGraw-Hill Young Artists Showcase, Mohamed Shams is an exceptionally gifted Middle Eastern musician steeped in Western classical music tradition.
The
Carnegie Hall program, with its East/West blending of musical cultures, demonstrates Mr. Shams' belief that "music is music." According to Shams,"the beauty of music reaches across boundaries. Despite, or perhaps because of all the turmoil in the Middle East, it is more vital than ever to make music. Music breaks down barriers and builds bridges between nations and people."
Mohamed Shams observes that few people are aware that Egypt has a long and storied classical music tradition. "I am an Egyptian classical pianist," he said. "To many, this may appear anomalous; I suspect that for most of the worldwide audience for this art form, Egyptian classical artists are a well-kept secret. However, Egypt was the first, and remains the most cosmopolitan of the Arab nations in this region. In fact, the Khedivial Opera House in Cairo, for over a century the only opera house in the Middle East, was built in 1869 to celebrate the inauguration of the Suez Canal. Verdi's opera 'Aida' received its premiere there."
Mr. Shams recently returned from Cairo, where he performed Beethoven's 4th piano concerto on January 10th with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Venezuelan conductor and violinist Eddy Marcano. The Cairo Symphony is the oldest and largest orchestra in the Arab Middle East, and Shams has performed with the ensemble since the age of 16.
Last November, Shams presented Masterpieces of 19th and 20th Century Composers at the Bruno Walter Auditorium/NY Public Library for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center. He has been critically lauded for his performances abroad, including appearances with the Royal National Orchestra of Scotland and the Royal Conservatory of Scotland Orchestra (2012). Mohamed Shams is the recipient of numerous prizes and honors in recognition of his artistry.
TICKETS:
http://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2015/4/15/0800/PM/Mohamed-Shams-Piano/
CarnegieCharge: 212-247-7800
Orchestra: $40
Balcony: $25
Student Discount Tickets - $10; Senior Discount Tickets - $20. Available at Box Office/ID Required
