Oslo World: Marcel Khalife - Promises of the Storm

Join us as we kick off Oslo World with the legendary Marcel Khalife! 🎤 Hailing from Lebanon, Khalife is a master oud player, singer, and composer who has captivated audiences for over sixty years. Known as a folk hero in the Arab world, he brilliantly melds his mastery of music with poignant political messages and profound poetry.

His groundbreaking work, Promises of the Storm, draws inspiration from Arab-Andalusian traditions intertwined with contemporary Middle Eastern themes. Khalife's renditions of the poignant words of Palestinian poets Mahmoud Darwish and Izzidine Al Munassrah, sung in colloquial Arabic, serve to uplift the voices of everyday people. 🌍✨

To commemorate the album’s fiftieth anniversary, Marcel Khalife has re-recorded it as a solo project. This year, we realize a long-held dream to have him perform at our festival, where he will present a stripped-down format showcasing his extraordinary tenor voice accompanied solely by his beloved oud.

After the performance at Chateau Neuf Auditorium, the celebration continues! 🎉 Join us for a lively concert by the talented Swiss/Moroccan multi-instrumentalist Sami Galbi at Betong. Your ticket to Marcel Khalife includes access to Sami Galbi’s electrifying performance later that evening. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music and culture! 🎵