Simon Shaheen Ensemble

Palestinian oud virtuoso Simon Shaheen is one of the most important Arab musicians living and working in the U.S. today. His soaring technique has dazzled audiences for decades performing traditional Palestinian music as well as western and jazz compositions.For this special concert celebrating authentic Palestinian music Shaheen is joined by long-time collaborators Firas Zreik (qanun) Tareq Rantisi (percussion) Layan Hawila(vocals) and Rami Abuolaya (ney). The program will include instrumental and vocal forms such as the “Qasida” (classical Arabic composed poetry) the “Muwashshah” (a poetic form set to music that goes back to the Andalusian time in Spain) “Sama`i” (an instrumental four-part form utilizing the authentic 10/8 meter) and “Tahmila” (an instrumental form with metric improvisation in call-and-response between solo and ensemble). Additionally the ensemble will present a medley of Palestinian folk music and improvisation that is practiced in Syria Palestine and Lebanon. 

Host or Publisher Ramy Essam