RIWAQ AL FIKR: Echoes Across Cultures: Exploring the Shared Musical Heritage of Spain and the Arab World

Overview

Inspiring audiences through conversations with leaders, thinkers, musicians, composers, conductors, choreographers, and artists, Riwaq Al Fikr – ADMAF Talks is a dynamic platform for public dialogue and debate on contemporary global issues. Through a series of online and in-person talks and lectures for students and the wider public, the programme empowers innovative thinking, nurtures cross-cultural exchange, and advances ADMAF's mission to invest in the next generation.

About the Panel

Co-organised by ADMAF and New York University Abu Dhabi, this panel explores the rich musical and poetic connections between Spain and the Arab world. Drawing on performance, composition and pedagogy, speakers will trace the influence of Arab traditions on Spanish music across centuries and consider how this shared heritage continues to inspire contemporary artistic expression and cross-cultural collaboration.

Speakers include Josema García Hormigo, Composer and Arranger of Algarabía; Borja Quintas, Musical Director and Conductor of Algarabía; and Dr Ghazi Faisal Al-Mulaifi, Assistant Professor of Arab Music at NYU Abu Dhabi. Moderated by Andrew J. Eisenberg, Associate Professor of Music and Programme Head at NYU Abu Dhabi.

‍