Umm Kulthum

The audience applauded, whistled, whooped and cheered for 30 minutes before she sang a single note at her last concert in 1967: Umm Kulthum (in French-speaking countries: Oum Kalthoum). Even 50 years after her death, the Egyptian singer is still revered throughout the Arabic-speaking world. Her songs can be heard every day from Cairo to Beirut, from Damascus to Baghdad, while her photos adorn the walls of countless tea rooms and coffee houses. And her music is still played on the first Thursday of every month on Egyptian radio, which has been broadcasting her live concerts since the 1930s, spreading her songs far beyond the country’s borders and fuelling the dream of Arab unity. The streets were deserted as families gathered to listen to Kulthum’s deep, resonant voice for four, five or even six hours straight. She became both a cult figure and a trailblazer. The Elbphilharmonie now honours her with a musical memorial – together with musicians from the next generation who are bringing her songs into the 21st century. They present the first two evenings in authentic settings of Arabic music, while they use last two as a springboard for excursions into jazz and electronic music.