Sydney’s cultural heart beat in unison on Friday, 14 November 2025, as the Seymour Centre came alive with Ziad Rahbani: Music Beyond Boundaries, presented by The Andalus Arabic Choir under the masterful direction of Ghada Daher Elmowy.
The concert was a vibrant homage to the Lebanese composer, playwright, and pianist whose work has shaped generations across the Arab world. With its rich harmonies, soulful arrangements, and emotional storytelling, the evening transported audiences through Rahbani’s unique musical journey — blending jazz, classical, and traditional Arabic influences into a seamless symphony of sound.
A Conductor’s Vision
At the centre of this breathtaking performance stood Ghada Daher Elmowy, whose artistry and vision were the soul of the evening. As founder and conductor of The Andalus Arabic Choir, Elmowy guided her ensemble with precision and passion, creating an atmosphere that transcended language and culture.
Each piece was delivered with emotional depth and nuance — the rhythmic pulse of the percussion interwoven with the choir’s layered harmonies, the oud and qanun shimmering beneath Elmowy’s expressive gestures. Her leadership brought Rahbani’s music to life not merely as performance but as dialogue — between past and present, East and West, artist and audience.
Elmowy’s dedication to preserving and reinterpreting Arabic music has long positioned her as one of Australia’s foremost cultural ambassadors for the art form. Music Beyond Boundaries reaffirmed her reputation as both innovator and custodian of a cherished musical heritage.
A Gathering of Culture and Community
The event drew an audience as diverse as the music itself, including notable attendees Her Excellency Wassane Zailachi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco; Mrs Tina Ayyad MP, Member for Holsworthy; and Clr Ned Mannoun, Mayor of Liverpool. Their presence underscored the growing recognition of Arabic arts within Australia’s multicultural landscape.
Oz Arab Media was represented by Dr Charbel Tadros and Mrs Christine Tadros, who joined the full house of music lovers, students, and community members in applauding a concert that felt both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Beyond the Stage — Investing in the Future
During the evening, Elmowy announced a landmark initiative on behalf of The Andalus Arabic Choir — the establishment of two academic awards for students of Arab Culture at the University of Sydney’s Discipline of Arabic Language and Cultures.
- The first award will support a research student (Honours, Master, or PhD) in publishing their work.
- The second award will honour the best essay in Arab Studies each academic year, encouraging the student to transform their essay into a formal publication.
Set to take effect in 2026, the awards reflect Elmowy’s enduring belief that cultural expression and scholarship must walk hand in hand — nurturing both creativity and understanding for generations to come.
A Night to Remember
By the concert’s close, the applause filled the Seymour Centre long after the final note had faded. The audience had witnessed not just a performance, but a profound cultural moment — one that reaffirmed the power of music to connect hearts and bridge worlds.
Through the genius of Ziad Rahbani and the inspired direction of Ghada Daher Elmowy, Music Beyond Boundaries lived up to its name — celebrating identity, unity, and the timeless rhythm that binds humanity together.
