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Palestinian Singer Gives Rare Concert in Gaza

Palestinian singer Reem Talhami released her first album at a recent concert in Gaza, singing songs far removed from death, destruction and war, writes Hazem Balousha.
Palestinian singer Reem Talhami from the West Bank, sings with choir members, who attend an UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) funded school,  during a performance of  the "al-Sununu" concert on April 23, 2013, in Gaza City. The Elena Rostropovich association, in cooperation with UNRWA are organizing the "al-Sununu" (The Swallow) concert which will involving a total of 23 choirs from across the Levant, including the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza Strip, Jo
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"I'm even happier than I appear." With these words, Palestinian artist Reem Talhami began the concert to launch her first album in Gaza City, a place where musical concerts have typically been banned since Hamas came to power. She received warm applause from the audience, which swayed in delight to the beat of two songs that she sang from the new album, "Carried by the Night."

The album features 10 songs. The lyrics were written by Gazan poet Khaled Jumaa, and Saeed Murad composed the melodies. Talhami sang these songs, which primarily aim to describe Gaza, she told Al-Monitor, "as we see it and as we hope for it to be, far removed from the news reports that only contain killing and destruction in this ancient city."

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