Nablus the Culture Committee continues its activities; this time, the committee hosted the Palestinian musicians Rima Naser Tarazi, who played the piano, and Tania Tamary Nasser, who sang Palestinian pieces. These pieces talk about Palestine as well as the life, hopes and dreams inspired by the personal experiences of the writer and the composer, Mrs. Rima Naser Tarazi. The artists performed their show in the Auditorium of Zafir Masri at An-Najah.
Rima Naser Tarazi was born in Yaffa and raised in Birzeit, where she first started to learn music, aged seven. Upon graduating from the American University of Beirut she worked as a teacher in Birzeit College, where she was involved in several musical activities, in particular composing music for the college’s choir.
In 1993, Mrs. Tarazi established with others the National Music Conservatory in Ramallah, which is now known as The Edward Said Conservatory. She is also an activist in many different woman and social societies.
Tania Tamary Nasser was born in Jerusalem and raised in Ramallah. She graduated from The Girls College of Beirut and majored in English Literature and Fine Arts. She has always been fond of music and singing.
Mrs. Nasser is also a member of several cultural societies and gives special interest to Palestinian culture and heritage; subjects in which she has written books.
The Ladies sang tens pieces in a show of two parts; the pieces were: A Prayer, Hania, The Dreams of My People, O My Sons, Forgive Us Mother, Al-Quds, Until When, I Dream of Springtime, My Children’s Story, Who Am I and They Shall Not Kill Me. When they had finished, the audience applauded and asked for more songs.
The evening was attended by Mr. Salah Masri, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the university, Prof. Rami Hamdallah, University President, Mr.Bassam Shaka`, the Former Mayor of Nablus who was targeted by Israeli fundamentalists in 1981 by bombing his car, and some others from the university family and Nabulsi Society. Everybody admired the special evening and was happy to partake in the cultural events that are, once again, taking place in Nablus.
At the end of the evening Mr. Salah Masri, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University, and Prof. Rami Hamdallah, University President, awarded the two ladies the university plaque to express the university's admiration for their art. Prof. Hanna Nasser, the former President of Bir Zeit University and husband of Tania and brother of Rima, was also awarded for his efforts in developing the higher education in Palestine over the past two decades. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and the University President awarded him the special University plaque.