The Ayoub Sisters are a multi-instrumental musical duo consisting of siblings Sarah and Laura Ayoub. The duo arrange and perform instrumental versions of well-known pop and classical works. Their debut album was recorded in Abbey Road Studios with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in partnership with Classic FM and released on Universal's Decca Records in September 2017.[1][2] Their self-titled album debuted at No. 1 in the Official Classical Artist Albums Charts.[1][2][3] The duo's second album Arabesque, a celebration and tribute to music from the Arab world, was independently released and shot to No. 1 in the iTunes Chart and reached the top 10 in the Official Classical Artists Albums Charts. [4][5]
Background
editThe duo were brought to public attention when their instrumental cover of "Uptown Funk" was discovered by record producer Mark Ronson.[1] The sisters were invited to Abbey Road Studios by Ronson to produce a cover of the song, which was showcased as part of the BRIT Awards, 2016.[1][2] In the same year, The Ayoub Sisters made their Royal Albert Hall debut performing as guest soloists with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.[1][3]The concert was broadcast on Classic FM Live and as a result, the sisters were offered a record deal with Decca Records.[1][6]
Early life and education
editThe Ayoub Sisters were born in Glasgow to Egyptian immigrant parents.[3] The sisters attended the music school of Douglas Academy. Afterwards, Sarah completed her studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (2010–2014) and Laura at the Royal College of Music (2013–2017).[1]
The Ayoub Sisters are advocates for music education and have given masterclasses at the newly launched Benedetti Foundation.[7]
The Ayoub Sisters | |
|---|---|
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Members | Sarah Ayoub, Laura Ayoub |
| Website | www |
Performances
editThe Ayoub Sisters have performed internationally across the United Kingdom and Middle East, including performances at the Cairo Opera House.[2][1] The duo have also toured with Choir Master Gareth Malone.[1] The Ayoub Sisters were requested by HM King Charles III to perform at the Honours of Scotland Coronation service in Edinburgh. [8]
Television appearances
editThe duo made their television debut performing at the 2017 BAFTA's which was held in The Royal Festival Hall.[3] The Ayoub Sisters played at BBC Proms in the Park in Glasgow accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra on BBC 1.[9] The duo have also been featured on the BBC Big Sing, Songs of Praise and Sky Arts.[10][11]
The Ayoub Sisters performed the Egyptian National Anthem at the closing ceremony of the World Youth Forum which was attended by H.E Abdel Fattah el Sisi, the president of the Arab Republic of Egypt.[2]
Awards
editThe Ayoub Sisters are recipients of the World Youth Forum Award and the Arab Woman of the Year Award.[2] The duo's debut album was also nominated for a Classic BRIT Award in 2018.[3]
Discography
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i Brocklehurst, Steven (2017-10-07). "The Scottish sisters taking classical music uptown". BBC News. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ^ a b c d e f Marray, Denise (2020-02-20). "Meet the Egyptian sisters revitalizing classical music". Arab News. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ^ a b c d e Yasser, Nayera (2018-09-11). "Hitting the Right Note: These Egyptian Sisters Are Breathing New Life into Classical Music". Vogue Arabia. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ^ "Official Classical Artist Albums Chart Top 10". Official Charts.
- ^ The Ayoub Sisters - Arabesque, 2022, retrieved 2023-08-11
- ^ "Official Classical Artist Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts. 5 October 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- ^ "Coronavirus: Violinist Benedetti offering free online music sessions". BBC News. 2020-05-03. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- ^ "Egyptian-Scottish Musicians Sarah and Laura Ayoub Open Up About Performing at King Charles's Coronation".
- ^ "BBC Radio Scotland - Proms in the Park 2018, Proms in the Park Glasgow, 2018 - Proms in the Park Glasgow, 2018". BBC. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ^ "BBC One - Songs of Praise, Coptic Orthodox Christians, Performance: Ya Mariam El Bekr (Ave Maria) performed by The Ayoub Sisters". BBC. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ^ "BBC One - Songs of Praise, Scottish Big Sing". BBC. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ^ The Ayoub Sisters - Arabesque, 2022, retrieved 2023-08-11