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SUMMARY:Palestinian Song in Transition: The Interplay of Tradition and Inn
 ovation\, 1936-1948 - Professor Issa Boulos\, University of Chicago
DTSTART:20260306T173000Z
DTEND:20260306T183000Z
UID:TALK235114@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Janet Gibson
DESCRIPTION:Abstract\n\nBetween 1936 and 1948\, Palestinian music experien
 ced a transformative period shaped by the establishment of the Palestine B
 roadcasting Service (PBS) and the Near East Broadcasting Station (NEBS). T
 hese radio stations became influential cultural platforms that enabled Pal
 estinian musicians to explore\, refine\, and project a national identity t
 hrough music. They created an ecosystem in which diverse traditions could 
 intermingle\, inviting voices from across Palestine and the broader Arab r
 egion to contribute to a vibrant musical landscape. Within this environmen
 t\, vocal genres underwent significant evolution\, as traditional folk mel
 odies expanded into shaʿbī songs and new forms such as the Palestinian Q
 aṣīda emerged. Instrumental compositions also flourished\, crafted for 
 both local and Western ensembles\, while choirs and children’s programmi
 ng deepened the reach of musical production. Palestinian musicians simulta
 neously engaged with Egyptian popular styles and preserved classical tradi
 tions\, including the muwashshaḥāt. The opportunities for recording and
  broadcasting provided by PBS and NEBS not only elevated the visibility of
  Palestinian musicians but also ensured the preservation and dissemination
  of their works. This cultural renaissance\, marked by innovation and cros
 s-cultural exchange\, fostered a distinctive Palestinian musical identity 
 that reflected both regional diversity and local creativity. \n\nBiography
 \n\nIssa Boulos is an internationally acclaimed composer\, lyricist\, rese
 archer\, and songwriter whose works have been performed worldwide. Trained
  from an early age in piano\, ‘ūd\, and voice\, he later studied compos
 ition with Gustavo Leone\, Athanasios Zervas\, and William Russo at Columb
 ia College Chicago\, followed by Robert Lombardo and Ilya Levinson at Roos
 evelt University. He earned his PhD in ethnomusicology from Leiden Univers
 ity.\nBoulos is known for blending traditional instruments with contempora
 ry innovation\, creating music for orchestras\, chamber\, and mixed ensemb
 les\, as well as hundreds of songs\, several of which became hits. His com
 missions include four works for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra\, a project
  with the Silk Road Ensemble\, and scores for award-winning films\, docume
 ntaries\, plays\, and musicals.\nHis career spans the United States\, the 
 Middle East\, and Europe\, earning recognition for both performance and sc
 holarship. He directed the Middle East Music Ensemble at the University of
  Chicago for nearly a decade\, co-founded the Qatar Music Academy in 2010 
 and served as its Head of Music\, and co-founded the Palestinian Institute
  for Cultural Development (NAWA). Today\, Boulos is Manager of the Harper 
 College Community Music and Arts Center\, adjunct music faculty\, and a bo
 ard member of organizations including Amwaj Choir.\n
LOCATION:Lady Mitchell Hall\, Sidgwick Avenue
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