Cambridge Takht: An Evening with Umm Kulthum

An evening of Arabic classical song by Cambridge Takht, a performing ensemble, paying tribute to the Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. The concert takes place at Grand Junction, a London venue for concerts and shows.

Cambridge Takht presents a programme devoted to Umm Kulthum, the Egyptian singer whose long career in the twentieth century made her one of the most important voices of Arabic music. Her repertoire is built around extended songs in the classical Arabic tradition, with melodic modes and improvised passages that give each piece its own shape. The evening is a tribute to her work rather than a performance by the singer herself.

The group takes its name from the takht, the traditional Arabic and Ottoman chamber ensemble that accompanied classical singers and instrumentalists. Its line-up and the songs chosen for this evening are set out by the performers on stage. The programme suits listeners interested in Arabic classical music, in the history of Egyptian song and in the way a classical repertoire is carried by a live ensemble.

Grand Junction is a London venue that hosts concerts and shows across a range of genres. The evening is suited to those who want to hear this repertoire performed live in a London setting.