Inspired by the legacy of legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, this season’s Arabic Music Days shine a spotlight on some of the most creative and original artistic voices of women in the Arabic world today. The centuries-old tradition of Iraqi maqam is represented by Farida Mohamed Ali, one of today's leading interpreters of the genre, and the Iraqi Maqam Ensemble. An exhibition of recent works of visual art by Zaria Zardasht (Syria) and Nadira Mahmoud (Oman) will be on view throughout the festival. As in previous years, the program has been curated by Naseer Shamma.