New Initiatives
The National Arab Orchestra is dedicated to new music initiatives that build a stronger community by creating opportunities for dialogue and cultural introspection.
Building Bridges Through Music:
Haflah:
Haflah! Arab Fusion Fest combines the musical talents of the Michigan Philharmonic and the National Arab Orchestra, with special guest composers Kareem Roustom and Wael Binali. This collaborative fusion of culture and music highlights Detroit’s diverse community, emphasizing Western and Middle Eastern traditions and instruments, the Haflah! Fusion Fest featured collaborative performances and the world premiere of Emmy-nominated Kareem Roustom’s specially commissioned composition for the event.
MidEast x MidWest:
The Toledo Symphony partnered with the National Arab Orchestra to present an evening of cultural celebration. Sara Jobin, Toledo Symphony Resident Conductor, joined Maestro Michael Ibrahim of the National Arab Orchestra to present a concert program featuring world-renowned opera singer and Syrian refugee Lubana Al-Quntar among a variety of exciting and distinctive musical styles. The performance featured the piece “Dialogue,” which has only been performed in public once before and includes a student chorus of singers from Toledo Public Schools.