A Night of Oriental Classics: Ham Z Gatri and Rising Star Ghofrane Jemli Delight Audiences
Source: La Presse – March 2 2026
The renowned luthist Ham Z Gatri, music teacher and specialist in Oriental and classical music, was joined on stage at the Maison de la Culture Ibn‑Rachiq by the young vocalist Ghofrane Jemli for a special oud concert. The event formed part of the “Nights of Soloists” series, held in the entrance hall of Ibn‑Rachiq where chairs were set up for the audience.
A One‑Hour Musical Bouquet
For just under an hour, the duo presented a carefully curated selection of classic Oriental repertoire, blending the oud’s instrumental textures with Jemli’s vibrant voice. This was likely Jemli’s first public appearance, and it created a buzz among the attendees. Determined to spotlight emerging talent, Gatri deliberately highlighted the young singer’s ability to inject fresh dynamism into beloved Egyptian and Lebanese standards.
Opening with Spiritual Grace
The concert opened with Ismahane’s devotional piece “Alik Sallat Allah.” The opening showcased Jemli’s vocal range and set the tone for a dialogue‑driven performance where instrumental and vocal lines converse throughout.
Reinventing Oriental Soundscapes
Armed solely with his oud, Gatri re‑imagined traditional Oriental timbres, paying homage to an inexhaustible musical heritage. The evening unfolded as a rich tapestry of sound, creating a seamless fusion between the instrument and the singer’s voice that captivated the modest crowd of music lovers present.
Highlights from the Setlist
| Track | Original Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| “Ana Atoub Ann Hobek” | Ismahane | Jemli poured her full energy into this heartfelt rendition. |
| “Fi Nour Mouhayek” | Oum Kalthoum | A demanding classic that required considerable vocal effort. |
| “Khafif Errouh” | Sayed Derwiche | Brought a festive atmosphere to the hall. |
| “Moudhnaka Gafah” | Mohamed Abdelwaheb | Added a nostalgic touch, evoking the golden era of Tarab. |
| Selections from Fayrouz | Fayrouz | Celebrated the iconic Lebanese diva. |
| “El Ward Gamil” | Cheikh Zakaria Ahmed | Served as a soothing balm to the evening. |
| “Ahoudal Lissar” | Cheikh Imam | Returned to the soulful style of the legendary Cheikh. |
| “Saâlouni Ness Anak Ya Habibi” | Fayrouz | Closed the concert on a tender, romantic note. |
Faithful to the Originals
This mini‑concert respected the original compositions, avoiding any modern “remixes” that might alter the songs’ structures. Instead, the performance honored the timeless qualities of each piece while allowing the unique chemistry between oud and voice to shine.
Context of the Event
The “Nights of Soloists” series is part of the Ramadan programming that began on February 28 2026 and runs through March 7 2026 at the Maison de la Culture Ibn‑Rachiq. The series aims to showcase solo performers across a variety of musical traditions, offering audiences intimate, high‑quality concerts during the holy month.
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