Safwan Bahlawan
Singer · Composer · Oud Virtuoso · Symphonist · Poet · Painter
Philosophy of Art
Music is the mirror of peoples — the measure of nations' advancement and the civilizational indicator of peoples' progress.
I was born on Arwad Island, where the sea surrounds it from all directions. The sea, with its calm and turbulence, its tenderness and cruelty, lived within me and baptized my spirit.
Rarely do you find one who masters both traditions — but I do. I began deeply Eastern, then placed my Western knowledge in service of Eastern music, blending them so neither dominates the other.
Reviving Abdel Wahab's legacy is a great responsibility. His melodies dominated me and my own compositions. Presenting his biography wouldn't be difficult — I feel it is the story of my own life.
Featured
Muscat Opera House Concert
Cairo Opera House Concert
Library of Alexandria
Press Quotes
In his musical depictions, Bahlawan captures the alphabet of the sea and the hymns of the sun and melts them down into orchestral melodies that mimic the very pulse of life.
During his performance at the Opera House, Safwan Bahlawan received a warm welcome which no other Arab artist has ever received in Cairo, the Arab art capital.
He enchanted Cairo Opera House audiences and millions of radio listeners.
Syrian oud master Safwan Bahlawan — recorded live at the 2006 Oud Festival in Oman.