Discover the richness of Middle Eastern music with the New York Arabic Orchestra and acclaimed composer, kanunist, and musical director Firas Zreik. Featuring beloved classics alongside original compositions, this one-night-only performance celebrates Arab musical heritage and its vibrant contemporary expression.
Doors open at 6:30 pm.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK ARABIC ORCHESTRA
The New York Arabic Orchestra, founded in 2007, has transformed Arabic music education in New York City and reached thousands of students and concert-goers worldwide. Over 15 years, the NYAO has performed and led workshops everywhere from Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors and Detroit Symphony Hall to Festival Musicas Do Mundo in Portugal and the Taipei Silk Road Music Conference in Taiwan. Through its concerts and classes, Arab-American adults have reconnected with the music of their upbringing, and youth of all backgrounds have been changed by the experience of Arabic music.
The NYAO’s mission is to preserve and promote Arabic culture through music, foster understanding among world cultures, and create a new perspective on music performance and composition in the United States, through performances and education and training programs in classical and contemporary Arabic music.
ABOUT FIRAS ZREIK
Composer & Kanunist Firas Zreik has performed and recorded across the world as a leader and highly sought collaborator. His approach preserves the kanun’s place in the Maqam tradition while expanding its potential across new and evolving sounds, treating the Maqam’s improvisational legacy as a vehicle for creative expression across styles.
Zreik received Grammy recognition for co-writing “Bajo los Escombros” with Residente, from the Grammy-winning album (Best Música Urbana Album, 2024). He has also worked with Roger Waters, G.E. Smith, Simon Shaheen, Amir ElSaffar, Shankar Mahadevan, and Aynur Dogan, among others, and serves as musical director for his mother and frequent partner, acclaimed artist Amal Murkus.
He has self-produced two albums, Solo (2021) and Salute (2023), and plans to release a third in 2026.
Co-produced with:
In partnership with:
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