“The Dark Nightingale”
The Musical & Cultural Legacy of Abdel Halim Hafez
with Phaedra Darwish
*Purchase 30 Days streaming access*
Abdel Halim Hafez, the “Dark Nightingale” of Egypt, remains an iconic figure in Arabic music as one of the “Four Greats” alongside Umm Kulthum, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, and Farid al-Atrash.
Hafez wasn’t only a vocalist; he was a charismatic movie star, a musician, and a passionate performer who captivated audiences with his emotive voice and stage persona for over 2 decades. Some of Abdel Halim’s most famous songs have become enduring classics, particularly for us as dancers!
This talk will delve into the bigger picture of Abdel Halim Hafez’s life and work, exploring the various facets of his career and his lasting impact on Egyptian music. Beyond the music itself, we’ll learn about his role as a cultural icon.
And, of course, we’ll look at Hafez’s music – both well-known and overlooked gems – that are rich with all the wonderful rhythms and melodies we love to dance to!
In this talk you will learn about:
- The life and multi-faceted career of Abdel Halim Hafez.
- His onstage persona that made him a cultural icon
- The historical and cultural context in which he worked
- His contributions to Egyptian music that made him one of the “Four Greats.”
- Hafez’ most well-known songs and hidden gems for today’s dancers!
Join us as we learn about the life and legacy of the “Dark Nightingale,” and discover the magic behind his timeless music!
Purchase 30 days streaming access to the recording for $40
About Our Presenter….
Phaedra Darwish is an award-winning dancer who has been performing as well as teaching workshops and classes in Chicago and throughout the US for the past 14 years. As an Arab-American of Lebanese descent, she also produces and takes part in cultural events, citywide festivals, and community fundraisers as a musician, producer, and dancer, and feels that this is a beautiful way to share her heritage with others. Through active engagement, maintaining a high standard of execution, and participation in quality programming, Phaedra hopes to spread enthusiasm and respect for Middle Eastern dance as more and more people get acquainted with its roots and enchanted by its beauty.