Allyn Johnson, Ramy Adly, Ethan Philion and Stuart Dickenson perform at the Kennedy Center. (STAFF PHOTO K. DAVIS)
On Aug. 28, noted oud player Ramy Adly appeared on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage in Washington, DC. The purpose of his performance was “to introduce the West to the oud” and to the beautiful sounds of this 4,000-year-old instrument.
The concert was well attended, with all seats filling up well before the music began. Opening with a solo piece, Adly was gradually joined by his ensemble for the evening, featuring Lubana El Quntar on vocals, Allyn Johnson on piano, Ethan Philion on bass and Stuart Dickenson on percussion.
A highlight was a full ensemble rendition of an old Egyptian song, with El Quntar’s vocals mesmerizing the audience while perfectly complementing Adly’s intricate style. Adly switched seamlessly between a traditional acoustic oud and a more contemporary electric model depending on the style of song, highlighting the versatility and long history of the instrument.
To showcase the oud for an American audience, Adly even performed a rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which while beautiful, felt slightly forced. He excelled most in musical styles for which the oud is most known, but the range of styles he was able to showcase can be viewed as an invitation to incorporate the oud into genres that may overlook the versatility of this ancient stringed instrument.
Halfway through his performance, he delivered a 10-minute lecture, complete with slideshow, on the history of music and the oud. His presentation added to the concert’s educational value, and was especially useful for audience members unfamiliar with the oud.
Adly also highlighted his Online Oud Academy, which now has students from 27 different countries. He announced that he was planning to open a School of Oud in Washington, DC for students of all backgrounds and levels. More information can be found at <www.ramyadly.com>.