by Insia Malik 

Johnny Farraj is a Lebanese-born musician and software engineer of Palestinian descent. His main instrument is the riqq; he also plays the 'ud and sings. Johnny is the creator of MaqamWorld.com, the leading Internet reference on…

Sami Abu Shumays is a multi-faceted artist, teacher, scholar, and arts administrator.  He is a vocalist and violinist performing the music traditions of Egypt and Syria, and he founded and leads the ensemble Zikrayat, which performs music and…

Zafer Tawil is a virtuoso on ‘oud, violin, and qanun, and a master of Arab percussion. Zafer has performed in concerts across the country, including performances with numerous musicians ranging from Sting to Arab music virtuosos Chab Mami, Simon Shaheen…

George Ziadeh was born and raised in Birzeit, Palestine, and pursued music from a young age. In 1986 he moved to the United States, where he studied ‘oud with Simon Shaheen and classical singing and voice with Youssef Kassab, with…

Dubbed “One of the most eclectic of New York’s elite singers” by NY Music Daily, Shelley is a professional vocalist specializing in Eastern European and Arabic styles. She sings in over fifteen languages with disarming fluidity, authenticity and emotion. She…