Marcel Khalife Co-sponsored by the Arab-American Educational Foundation

Marcel Khalife, Lebanese master of the oud (Arabic lute) and pioneer in blending Arabic music with Western elements and instruments, will discuss the interconnection of culture, creativity and freedom in his talk entitled, "No Culture without Freedom." The UNESCO Artist for Peace is no stranger to the subject. His music refuses to be tied down by ideology and has been the voice of protest against those who suppress all forms of thought and expression. In his own words, "There is nothing else like creation and culture to stimulate the expansion of the brain in humans, creatures who especially distinguish themselves by their aptitude to dream." This lecture will be followed by a public reception.