Marcel Khalife facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcel Khalife
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Marcel Khalife |
| Born | 10 June 1950 Amsheet, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, oud player |
| Years active | 1972–present |
Marcel Khalife (Arabic: مرسيل خليفة) was born on June 10, 1950, in Amsheet, Lebanon. He is a famous Lebanese musician, singer, and oud player. An oud is a stringed instrument similar to a lute. Marcel Khalife is seen as a hero in the Arab world. Some people even call him the "Bob Dylan of the Middle East" because of his powerful songs.
Contents
Marcel Khalife: A Musical Journey
Marcel Khalife's music often shares strong messages. In 1983, an album called Promises of the Storm was released. It featured songs that spoke about important social and political ideas.
Early Life and Education
Marcel Khalife loved music from a young age. He studied the oud at the Beirut National Conservatory of Music. He finished his studies there in 1971. After graduating, he taught oud playing at the same school until 1975. He also taught music at other schools in Lebanon.
His Music and Message
From 1972 to 1975, Marcel Khalife traveled to many places. He performed in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and the United States. In 1972, he started a music group in his hometown, Amchit. They wanted to bring back old village songs.
In 1976, he formed a new group called Al Mayadine Ensemble. This group traveled all over the world. They performed in Arabic-speaking countries, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Japan. Marcel Khalife has always supported the Palestinian people's desire for their own land. In 1989, he released a song called "Anthem of the Intifada." This song was about a peaceful uprising by Palestinians.
Songs with a Story
Marcel Khalife has faced challenges because of his songs. Three times, in 1996, 1999, and 2003, he had legal issues over his song I am Joseph, O Father. This song was based on a poem by the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.
Performing Around the World
In July 2009, Marcel Khalife returned to Tunisia. He performed at the big Roman amphitheater for the International Festival of Carthage. The place was completely full! He told the audience:
People of Tunisia, good evening. This night, like all nights in Tunisia, has a special taste. In spite of all the collapses and defeats around the world, Tunisians are still the kind of people who have a special taste and love. They do not broadcast my songs and concerts on TV, but I know that my public keeps on listening to me.
He also dedicated a song to the famous revolutionary leader Che Guevara.
Life Outside Music
Marcel Khalife has a son named Rami Khalife. Rami is also a talented musician. He plays the piano and writes music. In 2011, Rami's piece called 'Chaos' was performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Marcel Khalife played the piano for this performance. In 2013, Rami's 'Requiem' was performed. It was inspired by the Arab Spring events.
What He Created
Marcel Khalife has created many musical works.
Books and Films
In 1982, he wrote a six-part book series. It was called Anthology of Studying the Oud. He has also composed music for many films and documentaries. His music can be heard in films by directors like Maroun Baghdadi and Oussama Mohammed. His music is also in the documentary Occupied Minds and Sons of Eilaboun.
Live Shows
Marcel Khalife has performed in many famous places. Here are some of his past concerts:
- 2005.11.14: Lincoln Theatre (Washington, D.C.) USA
- 2004.01.12: Kennedy Center Washington DC USA
- 2008.10.10: De Roma Borgerhout, Antwerp, Belgium
- 2011.03.13: Al-Bustan Concert Series, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- 2014.11.15: Al-Bustan Concert Series, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- 2016.12.18: Day for Night Festival, Houston, TX, USA
- 2018.05.25 Institut des cultures arabes et méditerranéennes, Geneva, Switzerland
His Albums
Marcel Khalife has released many studio albums, singles, and live albums.
Studio albums:
- Promises of the Storm (1976)
- At the Border (1980)
- Ahmad Al Arabi (1984)
- Dreamy Sunrise (1985)
- Ode to a Homeland (1990)
- Arabic Coffeepot (1995)
- Voyageur (1998)
- Jadal (2002)
- The Bridge (2002)
- Summer Night's Dream (2003)
- Promises of the Storm (2003)
- Caress (2004)
- Peace Be with You (2006)
- Taqasim (2006)
- Sharq (2007)
- Andulusia of Love (2016)
Singles:
- Mounadiloun (Strugglers)
- Oummi (Mother)
Live albums:
- Dance (1995)
- Marcel Khalife: Magic Carpet (1998)
- Concerto Al Andalus (2002)
Awards and Recognition
Marcel Khalife has received many important awards for his music and his work for peace:
- In 1975, he won the American Folkloric Festival Award.
- In 2001, he received the National Palestine Medal for Arts and Culture.
- In 2005, he was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace.
- Also in 2005, the Lebanese government gave him the Cedar Medal.
- In 2008, he won the Charles Cros Award for World Music.
- In 2018, France made him a Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
- In 2008, Morocco gave him the Commander of the Order of Intellectual Merit.
- In 2018, Tunisia gave him the Grand Officier of the National Order of Merit of Tunisia.
See also
In Spanish: Marcel Jalifa para niños
