Adelaide Festival Centre Presents THE PROPHET, April 4-5

Joseph Tawadros collaborates with The Song Company for The Prophet, a musical work based on excerpts from the much book The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, at the Dunstan Playhouse today 4 and tomorrow 5 April.

Joseph Tawadros has risen to prominence in Australia by successfully developing the ancient traditions of Arabic music in a Western environment. His engagement with the writings of Gibran resulted in his 2009 solo release for oud also titled The Prophet, as well as a number of works recorded for Concerto of The Greater Sea, recently released to great acclaim. This new collaboration with the singers of The Song Company delves into the origins of musical expression, guided by the writings of Gibran, and is a stirring exploration of The Prophet's themes of love, pain, work, reason and passion, children and friendship.

A virtuoso of amazing diversity and sensitivity, Joseph tours to concert halls worldwide, dazzling audiences with his brilliant technique, his passionate musicianship and his joyous style of performance. Always willing to push the boundaries and challenge traditional music forms and rhythms, his efforts have led him to many unique collaborations with artists including Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Slava Grigoryan, Neil Finn, Lior and many others.

The Song Company is one of Australia's leading vocal ensembles. It embraces music from across ages and around the world, and has a strong commitment to presenting music to the whole of Australia. In collaboration with artists of the highest calibre, it aims to create a distinctive and dynamic new voice, relevant to the audiences of today and tomorrow.

The Prophet, the best-known book by Lebanese poet, philosopher and artist Kahlil Gibran, is one of the most widely read books around the world and is still beloved by young and old alike. First published in the 1920s, The Prophet was credited with founding the New Age movement in the 1960s, and is now an intrinsic part of Western spirituality.