An evening with Umm Kulthum

Join Cambridge Takht for a Special Anniversary Tribute

Celebrate the enduring legacy of the legendary Egyptian singer, Umm Kulthoum, as we mark the 50th anniversary of her passing. Revered as the “Star of the East,” Umm Kulthoum’s voice captivated the Arab world and beyond, and her music remains a cornerstone of classical Arabic tradition.

Cambridge Takht, a vibrant ensemble dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Arabic music, invites you to a captivating evening dedicated to performing a selection of her most famous and beloved songs, showcasing the intricate beauty and emotional depth of 20th-century Arabic music.

We are honoured to feature the internationally acclaimed Tunisian-born artist, Hend Zouari, as our special guest on the Qanun (a traditional plucked-string instrument). Known as the “Princess of the Qanun” and a Doctor in Musicology from the Sorbonne, Hend al Zouari’s masterful improvisations and unique style will add a spectacular layer of authenticity and artistry to this musical journey.

Immerse yourself in the world of tarab—the deep emotional connection between music and audience—as Cambridge Takht’s full line-up of traditional instruments (including the violin, oud, riq, tabla, qanun, and a vocalist) brings to life the timeless masterpieces of one of history’s greatest vocalists.

Date: Saturday, the 6th of December 2025

Time: doors open at 7:00p.m.

Venue: Pembroke college Auditorium

Don’t miss this opportunity to honour a cultural icon whose voice still resonates across generations.

Lineup:

Narjes Abouda – voice

Mohamed Emad – violin

Mohamed Nour – Oud

Aida Moreno – Double bass

Hanna Hawa – Derbuka (Tabla)

Omar Madani – Riq

Special Guest :

Hend Zouari – Qanun

Umm Kulthum (born Fatima Ibrahim as-Sayed El-Beltagi, c. 1904–1975) was an iconic Egyptian singer, songwriter, and film actress active from the 1920s to the 1970s.

Known for her powerful voice and significant impact on Arabic music and culture, she is a national icon in Egypt, where she was dubbed “The Voice of Egypt,” “Egypt’s Fourth Pyramid,” and given the honorific title Kawkab el-Sharq (Star of the Orient). Her concerts, often held on the first Thursday of every month and broadcast live, were immensely popular throughout the Middle East and beyond. Her funeral in 1975 was reportedly attended by over four million mourners in Cairo.