Marcel Khalife: Legacy

The Cleveland Museum of Art and the Arab Americans of Cleveland—Young Professionals Network host legendary Lebanese composer, singer, and oud master Marcel Khalife. He is joined by his son, virtuoso pianist Rami Khalife, and his nephew, cellist Sary Khalife, in a program that underscores his family’s incredible musical legacy. 

Revered as a cultural icon in the Arab world and beyond, Marcel is deeply attached to the text of great contemporary Arab poets and is an innovator in Arab music who draws upon traditional forms and blends Western elements to create an evocative sound that has captivated audiences around the world. His extensive body of work transcends his lyrical works to encompass groundbreaking compositions, orchestral and choral works, music for dance, and concertos for a variety of traditional Arabic instruments.

In June 2005, Marcel was named UNESCO Artist for Peace for his artistic achievement and humanitarian contributions. In 2008, he helped establish the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) and was named its music director and resident composer.

The cross-generational Khalife trio, Legacy, performs a selection of Marcel’s revered classics that endeared him to millions in the Arab world, with new arrangements alongside original compositions. Sary masterfully incorporates the Arabic quarter tone on his cello, seamlessly weaving Arabic and Western sounds, while Rami’s pianistic skills combine his classical training from the Juilliard School with a “Keith-Jarrett-like approach to jazz and improvisation” (Daily Telegraph, Australia).

More information about Marcel Khalife can be found on his website.

The views expressed by performers during this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Museum of Art.