Oud virtuoso Tawadros strikes a chord on cultural diversity at Amman concert

AMMAN — Egyptian-born multi-instrumentalist and oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros took centre stage on Tuesday evening for a concert at the Odeon Theatre in Downtown Amman.

The Roman Amphitheatre was packed for the entirety of the two-hour performance.

The audience’s appreciation was clear from a final standing ovation, concluding two hours of sonorous oud playing, with Tawadros’ comedic interjections captivating the listeners throughout.

Along with their enjoyment of the sounds of the oud, the audience was kept amused by Tawadros’ personality throughout as he offered lighthearted Arabic and English commentaries between songs in what might otherwise have been a restrained performance. 

Tawadros emigrated with his family from Egypt to Australia aged two years, and started his journey with the oud at age 10 after taking lessons in an attempt to learn about his Egyptian heritage. He began performing at small gatherings when he was just 12 years old.

“I really loved Arabic culture and Egyptian culture – my heritage. My family used to watch a lot of Egyptian movies and listen to a lot of traditional music, so I just picked it up and wanted to learn the oud.”

Tawadros merges Egyptian and Australian influences, both apparent in his compositions, describing himself as the product of his two environments.

The event was hosted by the Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in collaboration with the Ambassador of Australia, Bernard Lynch. Tawadros commended the Australian embassy’s diplomacy programme: “It’s great when they get behind the arts — the department of foreign affairs have an artistic side, and it’s great that they promote culture around the world.”

 “I’m just excited to be bringing what I do to the Middle East, and I think they see it as a multicultural success story,” he said.

Tawadros explained, however, that oud playing is not purely about carrying on a tradition. “I think you have to learn the tradition to be able to evolve anything.” 

His unique sound was evident throughout his performances, with the majority being his own original compositions.

“What I do with the oud is a little bit different, it’s not just Middle Eastern.” 

Playing to a lot of non-Arab audiences, he stressed the importance of reaching and engaging with listeners from many different backgrounds.

He explained how approachability is crucial as a musician and oud player. “I like to have a bit of a laugh on stage as well, as I think oud can make the mistake of being too conservative.”

Tawadros continues his tour, going on to play at an event in collaboration with the Australian embassy in Kuwait on May 24..