Oud player Brian Prunka, whose music has been described as “intricate, anthemic” and “spellbinding” (NY Music Daily), and the award-winning Egyptian violinist Ayman Asfour present exciting new music for a traditional Arabic takht (chamber ensemble).

As two of New York’s most distinctive and compelling composers of modern music rooted in the Arabic maqam tradition, their work maintains deep roots in Arabic melodic forms and rhythms while authentically exploring their diverse experiences.

Ayman Asfour violin
Brian Prunka oud (lute)
Firas Zreik qanun (zither)
Gideon Forbes nay (flute), clarinet
John Murchison bass
Alber Baseel percussion

Brian Prunka, who began his career as a jazz guitarist in New Orleans, has been deeply involved with New York’s Arabic music scene for over 20 years, performing with Simon Shaheen, Takht al-Nagham, Zikrayat, the NY Arabic Orchestra, the Bil Afrah Project, and his many original music projects. His music for this concert features a range of compositions from his forthcoming album that bring his captivating gift for melody together with new and traditional forms and rhythms, all within the traditional structure of Arabic maqam.

Ayman Asfour, a violinist, composer, and improviser currently based in New York, performs a diverse musical repertoire ranging from Egyptian folk to free improvisation. His music for this concert is an extension of his project Sardi Fardi (Odd Narrative), which blends storytelling melodies and Arabic maqam with unusual rhythmic structures, challenging both the composer and the musicians to navigate new expressive possibilities within a familiar tradition.

This event is a coproduction with Robert Browning Associates, Brooklyn Maqam, and Lotus Music & Dance.