New York Arabic Orchestra 

Overview

The New York Arabic Orchestra performs a special one-night-only concert at one of Washington, D.C.’s premier venues. Under the direction of acclaimed composer, qanunist and conductor Firas Zreik, the orchestra brings together beloved classics from the Arabic musical tradition alongside original contemporary compositions, celebrating the depth, beauty and evolving spirit of Arabic music through a dialogue between heritage and innovation.

Programme

Stay tuned for the details...

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Artists

New York Arabic Orchestra

Founded in 2007, the New York Arabic Orchestra (NYAO) has transformed Arabic music performance and education in New York, impacting thousands of students and concert-goers around the world. Over its 16-year history, NYAO has swept the world with powerful performances and workshops, from the Lincoln Center, United Nations and Detroit Symphony Hall to Festival Músicas do Mundo in Portugal and Taipei Silk Road Music Conference in Taiwan.  

Through concerts and classes, the NYAO has inspired countless Americans and non-natives to explore Arabic music, encouraged thousands of Arab-American adults to reconnect with the music of their upbringing, and engaged youth with immersive musical experiences that leave a lasting impact.  

The orchestra continues to forge new frontiers, from recording Ubisoft's soundtrack for Assassin's Creed: Mirage to exciting new performances and collaborations on the horizon.

‍Firas Zreik

Firas Zreik is a Palestine-born artist, composer, qanunist and educator based in New York. His treatment of the qanun preserves the instrument’s identity while stretching its potential across fresh, evolving sounds and musical styles. Rooted in the improvisation-driven legacy of the Maqam, his work reflects a deeply expressive and nuanced approach to music.

A highly sought collaborator, Zreik has performed and recorded with leading international artists including Roger Waters, Residente, Simon Shaheen, Marwan Khoury and his internationally renowned mother and frequent artistic partner Amal Murkus, for whom he also serves as musical director. He received Grammy recognition for his songwriting collaboration with Puerto Rican artist Residente on the song Bajo los Escombros, which was part of his Grammy-winning album. He has appeared at major international venues and festivals including WOMEX, Lincoln Center, the Smithsonian Museum and Carthage International Festival.

Zreik received a full presidential scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he completed a double major in Performance and Jazz Composition. A consummate educator himself, he has taught at the Arabic Music Retreat in Western Massachusetts and Circle World Arts in Brooklyn, and delivered workshops at NYU Abu Dhabi, Tufts and Berklee. He also provides private qanun lessons to an international community of talented artists.