Catch oud legend Naseer Shamma in a new series of online concerts in UAE

Liven up your #StayHome Wednesday evenings with classical Arabic music, which will be brought to you by Bait Al Oud musicians and oud legend Naseer Shamma. Catch their performances in the latest series of online concerts launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
A continuation of Naseer Shamma and Friends - the successful live-stream concert that spread a message of hope amid the Covid-19 pandemic - 'Visits from Bait Al Oud' will be held on Wednesdays and see Bait Al Oud musicians from all over the world perform from their homes.
Starting on May 13 at 8.30pm, The Story of the Oud concert will celebrate the diversity of the instruments used in classical Arabic music and will showcase the wide range of instruments taught at the Bait Al Oud school, including the oud, violin, qanoon, and cello.
The series then continues with Bait Al Oud and Abu Dhabi Classics: Universal Mozart on June 3, also at 8.30pm. Shamma, Bait Al Oud musicians and selected classical musicians from Europe and Asia will come together to pay homage to the great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Some moving classical singing will also be showcased in Bait Al Oud's Tribute to Classical Arabic Singing on June 17 at 8.30pm. The rich tradition will be revisited by Shamma, graduated students and distinguished teachers from Bait Al Oud Abu Dhabi in a tribute to the greatest Arabic voices such as Umm Kulthoum, Fairuz and more.
"In trying times such as these, it is important to continually foster a sense of community and togetherness, and to spread hope as much as we can," said Shamma.
"I've found that one of the best ways to deliver the message of hope is through music. Visits from Bait Al Oud series has enabled my friends and I to safely be invited into homes around the world and share a message of hope and solidarity. We are excited to show the depth of classical music, offer unmissable vocal and instrumental experiences, and have viewers leave our concerts inspired to carry on this message of hope."
A world-renowned maestro from Iraq, Shamma is a distinguished oud player who has received more than 60 awards and accolades, and released albums in Italy, Egypt, Algeria and the UK with more than 60 compositions.
He is a Unesco Artist for Peace and goodwill ambassador to the International Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies.
The series has held a number of concerts to date, including Naseer Shamma and Friends, The New Qanoon, and Ramadan Nights.
Watch these concerts and enjoy the best of classical music from Abu Dhabi Culture's official YouTube channel. 
reporters@khaleejtimes.com