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Composer Performer

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Vocal

 

Driss El Maloumi is a renowned Moroccan musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born in 1970 in Agadir, Morocco, El Maloumi grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. His father was a master of the oud, a traditional Arabic lute, and his mother was a singer. El Maloumi began playing the oud at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. El Maloumi's musical education began at the National Conservatory of Music in Rabat, where he studied under the tutelage of the renowned oud player Mohamed Amine El Akrami. He later continued his studies at the Conservatory of Music in Paris, where he was exposed to a wider range of musical styles and traditions. Throughout his career, El Maloumi has been recognized for his exceptional talent and has received numerous awards and accolades. In 1995, he won first prize at the International Oud Competition in Damascus, Syria, and in 1997, he was awarded the prestigious Villa Medici Hors les Murs scholarship, which allowed him to travel to India to study under the renowned sitar player Ravi Shankar. El Maloumi's music is characterized by his unique blend of traditional Arabic music with elements of jazz, flamenco, and other Western styles. He is known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to create intricate and complex melodies on the oud. His music is also notable for its emotional depth and its ability to evoke a wide range of moods and feelings. One of El Maloumi's most notable performances was his appearance at the 2006 Festival of Sacred Music in Fez, Morocco. He performed alongside the renowned Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia, and the two musicians created a powerful and moving fusion of Arabic and Spanish music. The performance was widely acclaimed and helped to cement El Maloumi's reputation as one of the most innovative and talented musicians of his generation. In addition to his work as a performer, El Maloumi is also a respected composer and has written music for a wide range of ensembles and orchestras. His compositions are characterized by their intricate and complex harmonies, as well as their use of traditional Arabic scales and modes. El Maloumi's contributions to the world of classical music have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2013, he was awarded the prestigious Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in recognition of his contributions to the arts. He has also been recognized by the Moroccan government, which awarded him the Medal of Honor in 2015. Despite his many accomplishments, El Maloumi remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and compose music, and his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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