Fairuz Lebanese Musician MUS266 Shireen Ghaznavi

Fairuz Born in Lebanon in 1935 Born into a Christian/Syrian family Sings Arabic and Lebanese music Fairuz means turquoise

Fairuz – Early Years Lived in rural village with her grandmother Noticed by Mohammed Fleyfel at 10 years old Enrolled in Lebanese Conservatory Chorus singer at a radio station in Beirut. Worked with Rahbani brothers(musicians, playwrights, composers, poets) Became instant hit in the Arab music scene with the song “Itab”

Fairuz – Beginning of Stardom Starred in many musical plays (operettas) which combines storyline, lyrics and dialogue. First large-scale concert at Baalbeck International Festival in 1957 She was popular in the Arab world and became known as the “First Lady of Lebanese singing”

Fairuz - Controversy 1969 songs banned from radio stations She refused to honor(sing)for Algerian President. She hit her highest level of fame in 1970 during her North American tour During Lebanese Civil War( ) she did not perform in Lebanon but performed tours around the world.

Fairuz – political activist 1990 produce 6 successful albums Held many large-scale concerts to launch the rebirth of Beirut after the civil war

Fairuz performs around the country United States Paris Kuwait Canada Syria Iraq Egypt Dubai

Fairuz - Current Works exclusively with composer son-Ziad Latest album “Eh Fi Amal” released in 2010 Performs in various venues:  London – Royal Albert Hall  New York Carnegie Hall  John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts