Simon Shaheen, one of the world’s greatest players of the ‘ud (lute) and one of the most influential Arab musicians and composers of his generation, presents a special evening of Arabic music, accompanied by an ensemble.
“Virtuosic sophistication” – New York Times
“Simon Shaheen may be the greatest musical ambassador from the wide world of Arabic music to the U.S.” – NPR
This in collaboration with Robert Browning Associates and Lotus Music & Dance, and in association with Brooklyn Maqam.
Simon Shaheen’s concert credits include some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Cairo’s Opera House, Theatre de la Ville in Beirut, and Belgium’s Le Palais des Arts. He has written music and scores for theater and films, including The Sheltering Sky and Malcolm X, and released numerous recordings, including The Music of Mohamed Abdel Wahab and the Grammy-nominated Blue Flame. In 1994, he received the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship, this nation’s highest honor in the traditional arts. In 1997, he founded the Arabic Music Retreat at Mount Holyoke College, an annual event which brings together the finest educators, performers, and students of Arab music for intensive study and performance. Shaheen tours internationally with his groups, as a solo artist, and as a lecturer throughout the academic world promoting awareness of Arab music. He is currently teaching at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He will be accompanied by artists to be announced.
Simon Shaheen, born in the village of Tarshiha in the Galilee into a Palestinian family, was steeped in music in early childhood. He has written music and scores for theater and films, including The Sheltering Sky and Malcolm X. In 1994 he received the prestigious National Heritage fellowship, this nation’s highest honor in the traditional arts. In 1997 he founded the Arabic Music Retreat at Mount Holyoke College, an annual event that brings together the finest educators, performers, and students of Arab music for intensive study and performance. He currently teaches at Berklee College of Music.
