News, October 2007
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Concert of Lebanese Singer Marcel Khalifah in San Diego Canceled by Operatives of of the Israel Lobby
Concert canceled after pressure from the American pro-Israel lobby
Saturday October 20, 2007 16:10 by IMEMC Staff - IMEMC News ghassanb at imemc dot org
The Lebanese singer and musician Marcel Khalifah has been forced to cancel a concert in the U.S. city of San Diego, California.
The Lebanese singer said that he was informed by the concert hall manager that his show may hurt the feelings of the Jewish community in the city.
He added that the manager told him that his show could take place if Al-Khalifah would agree to share the night with an Israeli singer.
Marcel Al-Khalifah is a world-renowned Lebanese singer and musician. He is famous for his support of the Palestinian cause and the songs he has written that challenge the ongoing Israeli occupation of the Palestinian people and their land.
Named UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2005 for his artistic achievements and humanitarian work, Lebanese singer, composer and oud (Near Eastern lute) master Marcel Khalifah has been described as one of today's leading Arab musicians. Khalifah is also a noted composer who is deeply attached to the lyrical text on which he relies.
Through his association with great contemporary Arab poets, most notably the renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, Khalifah has sought to renew the character of Arab song, breaking its stereotypes and advancing the culture of the society that surrounds it.
The American National Public Radio has described Khalifah as an "Artistic revolutionary...cultural icon...master of the Oud. His songs have a power beyond mere words & music."
Translated by Ghassan Bannoura- IMEMC News Room.
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