Dr Lisa Urkevich: The Scholar Reviving Saudi Arabia’s Musical Tradition – Interview with SaudiTimes.org
- Lisa Urkevich
- Jun 3
- 1 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Dr. Lisa Urkevich’s journey into the heart of Arabian heritage began in the 1990s, when she first moved to Saudi Arabia. Immersing herself in a culture she had previously only studied in books, she connected with local women, observed regional traditions firsthand, and began a decades-long scholarly pursuit to document the Kingdom’s diverse musical heritage.
Her research, which has taken her from intimate gatherings to grand performances, led to the publication of her book Music and Traditions of the Arabian Peninsula—the most comprehensive study of its kind.
Today, as a Visiting Scholar at Georgetown University, Dr. Lisa continues her work in cultural preservation, strategy, and performing arts eduction. A Harvard Fellow, two-time Senior Fulbright Grant Scholar, and University of Maryland Alumna of the Year, she has held positions at Boston University and the American University of Kuwait, and advised both governments and institutions in the Gulf.
In this interview with SaudiTimes, she reflects on the future of regional music, the deep connections between tradition and identity, and why protecting cultural heritage requires more than investment—sustainabilty succeeds with rigorous scholarship, cultural sensitivity, and a long-term vision.
Read the full article on SaudiTimes.org
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Discover more about Dr Lisa Urkevich Saudi musical heritage and her contributions to cultural preservation in Saudi Arabia.