Marcel Khalifé named UNESCO Artist for Peace
Marcel Khalifé, the Lebanese musician and writer, was named UNESCO Artist for Peace on June 7 by UNESCO Director-General, Koïchiro Matsuura, at a ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters.
Born in 1950 in Amchit, Mount Lebanon, Mr Khalife first studied, then taught, the oud, or Arabic lute, at the Beirut National Conservatory. He began his career as a soloist and went on, in 1972, to create a group in his home village, to preserve the Arabic musical heritage with the oud.
Mr Khalifé is also a composer of Oriental dance and film music, inspired by major, contemporary Arab poets. At the vanguard of innovative Middle-Eastern music, Khalifé’s original music makes him an ambassador of his culture. He has written several books on music.
Mr Khalifé will be named UNESCO Artist for Peace in "recognition of his fervent and generous commitment in favour of musical heritage".
[Source: UNESCO]
[Via: Sabbah]
Pr. Habiba Bouhamed Chaabouni Wins L'Oreal UNESCO Award An Artist War Is Peace... "Esther", The artist formerly known as Madonna Warning: Artist Supports FilesharingYES!
He really deserves it.
I admire Marcel, he's just kept so true to his music and his goal for so long. Way to go.
Not to mention seeing him live in concert will probably be one of the greatest things anyone can do for his or her self. He's (and his sons) amazingly talented, and sincere.
