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 together. 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
Symphony of the Captain and the Storm — Damascus Opera House
Press Quotes
During his performance of a number of concerts at the Opera House, the Syrian musician and singer Safwan Bahlawan received a warm welcome which no other Arab artist has ever received in Cairo, the Arab art capital.
In the music of Syrian artist Safwan Bahlawan there is a visual construction that draws the listener into the realm of ideas; sound becomes a twin of image… He distills the alphabet of the sea and the hymns of the sun into orchestral melodies that trace life's very pulse.
Safwan Bahlawan enthralled the audience of Cairo Opera House — and millions of listeners on Egyptian radio — with a bouquet of classic songs.
The singer, composer and orchestral writer Safwan Bahlawan — nicknamed "the rare coin" and "pure gold."
An orchestral composer, oud player, singer, poet and painter… Awarded Best Arab Voice in Carthage in 1984, received the Damascus Sword Medal in 1995, and the Golden Key of Alexandria.
Whoever hears these songs in Safwan Bahlawan's voice will realize they are before a great master who plumbs the depths of authentic, refined singing, taking listeners to celestial horizons.
A special taste in understanding and conveying Abdel Wahab's art to today's audience.
The stands were packed with lovers of authentic tarab, and applause and cheers filled the air.
Syrian oud master Safwan Bahlawan — recorded live at the 2006 Oud Festival in Oman.