Umm Kulthum and Palestine

During her fifty-year career, Umm Kulthum wrote and performed an impressive 320 defining songs. Besides her music, she also lent her voice to the struggle and hope of the Palestinians. She openly supported the Palestinian cause and was the beating heart of the first large-scale fundraising concerts after 1967. To this day, her music remains beloved, including in Gaza, where her voice can be heard daily in cafes, barbershops, and taxis.

We cannot think of a more fitting program for this weekend of solidarity, humanity, and hope, and we are honored by the arrival of the Marmoucha Orchestra.

Theatre for Palestine

This performance is part of a weekend-long program at Theater aan het Spui focusing on Palestine. We are showcasing the voices and stories of Palestinian (and Dutch) theatermakers, using the theater as a space for solidarity, humanity, and hope.

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Palestinian Arts and Culture Solidarity Collective in collaboration with the creators.

The Phonograph Changed Me

Rather than simply looking back at her greatest hits, this performance focuses on Umm Kulthum’s early years. Her statement, “The phonograph changed me,” emphasizes how the innovation of the phonograph allowed her to spread her exceptional talent worldwide. From the intimate live performances of her youth to the groundbreaking steps that made her a global sensation, this performance explores the music and influences that shaped her artistic development.

Led by director Toni Geitani and artistic director Arin Keshishi, the Marmoucha Orchestra presents this tribute as a cohesive musical performance, engaging all the senses. The expressive voice of Dutch-Syrian soprano Mireille Bittar will bring Umm Kulthum’s early work to life.

This performance is not only a tribute to Umm Kulthum, but also a journey through a crucial period in Arab and global music history. Immerse yourself in the stories, voices, and images that defined an era, and discover how Umm Kulthum’s exceptional vision made her the immortal icon she remains today.

Experience Umm Kulthum as you’ve never experienced it before – a musical and visual celebration of a life that continues to inspire generations.

About the creators

Mireille Bittar – Expressive soprano who connects East and West

Mireille Bittar is a Syrian soprano and actress, trained at the Damascus Conservatory and the Utrecht Conservatory. With her impressive vocal range and expressiveness, she bridges Eastern and Western musical traditions. She has performed in various opera productions and concerts in Europe and the Arab world and has previously performed works by Umm Kulthum. Her ability to blend different styles makes her the ideal interpreter to add a new dimension to Umm Kulthum’s repertoire.

Marmoucha Orchestra – Bridge builders between cultures

The Marmoucha Orchestra is a collective of virtuoso musicians who combine modern musical styles with deep-rooted traditions from Southwest Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. By blending ethnic styles, classical music, jazz, and pop with contemporary influences and new compositions, the orchestra creates performances that inspire and connect a wide audience.

Arin Keshishi – Artistic Director Marmoucha Orchestra

Arin Keshishi is a renowned bassist and composer with a rich background in classical music, world music, and jazz. As artistic director of the Marmoucha Orchestra, he brings together musicians from diverse backgrounds and creates innovative arrangements that transcend cultural traditions.

Toni Geitani – Artist and filmmaker with depth – Project leader

Born in Beirut in 1992 and now living in Amsterdam, Toni Geitani is a multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker. Since 2024, he has been an active member of the Marmoucha Orchestra, where he integrates live electronics and visuals.

Growing up with the music of Umm Kulthum, he combines a deep understanding with an innovative approach, combining traditional elements with modern technology.

Credits