LifestyleArtsOud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros coming to Bundaberg

Oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros coming to Bundaberg

Joseph and James Tawadros
Joseph Tawadros and his brother James will perform at the Moncrieff in February

One of Australia’s top musicians, oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros, will be performing at Bundaberg in February as part of a national tour.

Joseph is a multi-award winning player of the oud, a Middle Eastern lute.

Joseph’s music has brought Middle Eastern, classical and contemporary jazz together seamlessly and he is considered by peers and music critics to be a truly original performer and an innovative composer.

On stage Joseph is more than just a brilliant musician; he's an engaging and articulate storyteller with quick humour and astute observations. His charismatic style brings another dimension to the performance.

Born at Cairo in 1983 and brought up in Sydney, Joseph brings a musical tradition inherited from his grandfather, Mansi Habib, a composer who played oud and violin, and his uncle, Yacoub Mansi Habib, a fine Egyptian trumpet player.

Oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros was awarded the Order of Australia in 2016 for significant service to music as an accomplished performer, composer and recording artist.

Joseph and James recording at Abbey Road
Joseph and James recording at Abbey Road

He has recorded 16 albums of original music, with 14 ARIA nominations. He has received four ARIA awards (best world music album and best soundtrack album). 

Joseph and his brother James will be performing together at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre on 19 February. 

Bundaberg one of only seven performances

It is one of only seven performances around Australia, mostly in capital cities.

Rod Ainsworth, manager arts and cultural services, says it is quite a coup to have Joseph perform in Bundaberg.

“Joseph is an Australian musician making it big on the international scene, dividing his time between Australia and London – it’s such a privilege to have him and his brother James coming to Bundaberg,” Rod said.

“They’re an incredible double-act – Joseph on the Oud and James on percussion.”

Tickets for each will be $65, or $20 for under 25 year olds and include the show and buffet-style communal meal; and can be bought online or at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre Box Office.

First of Moncrieff's audiotorium music series

The concert is the first in the Moncrieff’s audiotorium music series, which presents an eclectic repertoire from all over the globe.

“The auditorium events are a little bit special,” Rod said.

“They’re for people who want to be a bit more adventurous about their music.

“We’ve found four really exciting shows that we think people will love.”

An audiotorium four-pack pass will be $220 to experience all four shows.

“This is a series of four musical adventures – four completely different styles of music by some of the best in the business,” Rod said.

Joseph and James Tawadros will perform on 19 February, followed by classical guitar sensation Laura Fraticelli on 1 April, Yas Queen women’s jazz ensemble (featuring local Mel Lathouras) on 8 August and the up-beat French-Balkan band Mzaza on 22 October with their new show Birth and Death of Stars. More details here.

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