Last night, the renowned Franco-Lebanese trumpeter, Ibrahim Maalouf, took to the stage at the Royal Theater of Rabat to perform his concert dedicated to the second volume of his album Trumpets of Michelangelo. In front of a packed and enthusiastic audience, Maalouf delivered a vibrant performance filled with calls for joy and dance, captivating attendees from start to finish. Having won a César award and two Victoires de la musique, along with multiple Grammy nominations, Maalouf continues to share a unique family legacy through this project: the quarter-tone trumpet, an instrument developed by his father in the 1960s. Prior to his performance, he shared insights with Le360 about this legacy and his upcoming projects, including a new album recorded in collaboration with his wife, singer Hiba Tawaji.
Impressions of the Royal Theater and Artistic Legacy
Upon stepping into the Royal Theater, Maalouf was struck by its modern architecture, stating, "I just crossed the doors and I am impressed, starting with the architecture. I had forbidden myself from looking at pictures; I wanted to keep the surprise of discovering it in person, even though some had sent me images. Without any preconceived notions, I did not imagine such an avant-garde venue. The design, structure, and interior layout are all remarkably modern. At the same time, there is an immediate sense of extreme acoustic precision—a very pleasant surprise." He reflects on his creation of Trumpets of Michelangelo as a way to continue his father's teachings, emphasizing the significance of the quarter-tone trumpet, which allows for the interpretation of various maqâms and access to tarab—a unique state of ecstasy in Arabic music that has no equivalent in the West.
The Future of Music and Upcoming Collaborations
Maalouf has been dedicated to this mission for years, having begun teaching at the young age of 17 across various institutions. He has since conceived larger projects like the Free Spirit Ensemble, a classical orchestra focused on improvisation. He stated, "My goal is to introduce as many people as possible to the practice of this instrument and the values of tarab. The album Trumpets of Michelangelo embodies this entire journey." When discussing his career trajectory, which includes prestigious accolades and collaborations, he noted, "I have never viewed my career as a linear or obligatory progression. I prefer to embrace what life places in my path. Moments of joy allow me to express my innermost feelings and realize my artistic aspirations while remaining grounded. Challenges teach me to strengthen myself and protect my path forward. My only wish for the coming years is to continue this musical adventure with the same fervor and to reconnect with the generosity of the audience."
Furthermore, Maalouf and his wife Hiba Tawaji have recently collaborated on a joint album, and he expressed eagerness to perform together in Morocco. He remarked, "We would love to perform there. Morocco is a cultural crossroads, a country with great openness where Francophonie holds a major place. A project like ours, titled 'À la française'—though it could just as well be named 'À la francophone'—would naturally find its resonance there. We will be touring from November to March, with a performance scheduled at the Salle Pleyel in Paris on May 20. I hope we manage to arrange a date in Morocco. Hiba has an exceptional voice; she has always sung in Arabic, and now she expresses herself in French for the first time, adding a new dimension to our work. I am particularly happy that we have shared this creation together.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
