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Traditional Arabic and Oriental music come to life with original oud compositions
Kenan Adnawi’s solo oud performance is a mesmerizing journey through Arabic maqamat, unfolding from introspective modal improvisation into vibrant, experimental rhythms. His technical mastery and emotive phrasing create an immersive experience that bridges traditional oud heritage with global influences.
Kenan Adnawi
Kenan Adnawi is a Syrian virtuoso oud player, composer, and improviser known for blending traditional Middle Eastern music with classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. Based in Dubai, he has performed internationally and has won numerous awards for his talent. Adnawi began playing the oud at age seven in Latakia, Syria. He went on to graduate from the High Institute of Music in Damascus in 2008, where he studied with Azerbaijani expert Askar Ali Akbar. His career includes performances with prestigious ensembles and orchestras at major venues around the world, including the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Kennedy Center, La Scala, and the Bolshoi Theatre. Adnawi has toured extensively with the acclaimed Lebanese musician and composer Marcel Khalife. He released his debut album, Aura, in 2014, followed by Watar in 2023. He holds a Master's degree in contemporary music improvisation from the New England Conservatory in Boston.