Presented by Koerner Hall in partnership with The Canadian Arab Institute, and in association with Small World Music.

The Canadian Arab Institute and The Royal Conservatory of Music are proud to announce their prestigious cultural extravaganza, “Sultans & Divas – Discoveries in Canadian Arab Performing Arts at Koerner Hall, Dec 4th. From world music, opera, dance, to literature, and visual art, this country’s leading performing and visual artists will serve up an evening of tantalizing talent and tunes that is sure to heat up the cool December night.

This multi-artist event features mezzo-soprano and CBC host Julie Nesrallah performing Arab-inspired arias; multi-award winning vocalist Miriam Khalil’s soprano renditions of Fairuz; the East-West pastiche of Montreal’s orchestra OktoEcho; along with the panoramic, border-hopping music of JUNO nominees/2x CFMA winners, Sultans of String!

Led by Lebanese-Canadian violinist Chris McKhool, Sultans of String will thrill audiences with their global sonic tapestry of Arabic folk, Spanish Flamenco, Cuban rhythms, and Gypsy-jazz, celebrating musical fusion and human creativity with warmth and virtuosity. Fiery violin dances with kinetic guitar while a funky bass lays down unstoppable grooves. Together with special guest oud virtuoso Bassam Bishara, they are sure to bring audiences to their feet!

Singing the Arabic soul with sweeping passion, Miriam Khalil will captivate the Koerner Hall crowd-- her voice has been described as both gorgeous and commanding, her presence, powerful and beautiful. Her talent is dizzyingly diverse, from donning Cleopatra’s dress in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, to singing Mimi’s Aria in Puccini’s La Boheme and performing the role of Zerlina in Don Giovanni, to name just a few.

The shimmering voice as instrument unto itself will be showcased by the acclaimed mezzo-soprano Julie Nesrellah. Dazzling audiences with her rich tone and lively personality, Julie is regularly cast in principal roles by leading opera companies across North America and abroad. Nesrallah is frequently featured on CBC Radio and National Public Radio, and is currently the host of Tempo, CBC Radio 2's flagship national classical music program.

Awarded the 2009 OPUS Prize for “Jazz and World Music Album of the Year”, OktoEcho will be an outstanding feature of the night. An ensemble of 12 musicians under the artistic direction of composer Katia Makdissi-Warren, OktoEcho transports listeners to a sonic world brimming with hope, aspiration and lyricism concocted by a musical meeting of the Middle East and the West.

Art lovers can stroll around the reception hall before or after the event, admire the stunning exhibition of original works by Arab visual artists, while enjoying an assortment of refreshments and cocktails.