Turath: The Arab American Story in Song Program Book

Turath: The arab american story in song

JOIN US THIS UPCOMING SEASON AS WE CELEBRATE THE ORCHESTRA'S ANNIVERSARY

National Arab Orchestra • 2018-2019 Season

18-19 SEASON

Contents

Di d you k now ?

Welcome ................................................................... 5 Board of Directors ................................................... 6 Mission Statement ................................................... 7 Meet the Ensemble ................................................. 8 Founder and Music Director ................................ 10 Program ................................................................... 1 1 SOE Award: Nadim Dlaikan ................................. 1 2 Vocalists .................................................................. 1 4 Building Bridges through Music .......................... 15 Mentorship Program ............................................. 16 Donors and Benefactors ....................................... 19

11 15

According to reasearch by Dr. Anne

Rasmussen of William and Mary College,

early Arab American immigrants used music as a way to preserve and pass down their

culture to the next generation. This was done through performances at church festivals, weddings, baptismal celebrations, and

various other festive occasions. These events became contexts for cultural reenactments

that helped the younger generation to hold

on to their identity and allowed the culture to survive outside the Middle East.

Di d you k now ?

Our vocalist, Lubana Al Quntar, is a direct

relative of renowned singer, composer, actor, and oudist Fareed Al Atrash.

PROGRAM NOTES BUILDING BRIDGES Through Music, Fordson High School 3 / NAT IONA L A R A B ORCH EST R A

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NATIONAL ARAB ORCHESTRA

Welcome

Welcome to the final concert of the National Arab Orchestra’s 2018-19 season hosted by the Flint Institute of Music's Music Around Town series. and the Arab American Heritage Council. As we close out the season, we recognize those who have supported the NAO and its mission in preserving and integrating Arab culture through music education and performance. The past season has seen the NAO reach audiences in Boston, Chicago, Dearborn, Detroit, and San Antonio with tonight’s concert being our first performance in the city of Flint.

We are truly humbled and thankful for the support of our sponsors, donors, and community partners whom have afforded us the opportunity to expand our reach into new communities with a special thank you to the Flint Institute of Music and the Arab American Heritage Council for tonight’s amazing opportunity. This evening’s program looks back in time offering an auditory glimpse of early Arab American immigrant life with music that is sure to stir the soul and warm the heart. In addition to the program, we honor Nadim Dlaikan with the NAO’s Standard of Excellence award for his outstanding contribution to the country’s Arab music scene. We hope you will enjoy the concert and look forward to celebrating our 10 year anniversary with you!

Michael Ibrahim

Founder/Music Director

Usama Baalbaki

Co-Founder/Chairman

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Sherri Richards

Executive director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meet the

Board of Directors Co-Fou n de r / Ch a ir m a in

Usama Baalbaki

E x ec u t i v e Di r ec t or

Sherri Richards

Sec r e ta ry

Tina Farhat

treasurer

Karen Barbee Adkisson

Fou n de r / Music Director

Michael Ibrahim

Di r ec t or s

Fahd Al-Hassan Dr. Lester Monts Siham Awada-Jaafar

NAO Spot l igh t Sherri Richards is a business consultant, university professor, speaker, and author with a rare combination of finance, marketing, distribution operations, and franchising experience both nationally and internationally. Her true gift is her love of creating and telling the whole story. The fun is taking an idea, developing the business plan with its pieces and parts, then bringing it to life in a holistic, profitable and sustainable way.

Sherri works with both for profit and non profit companies as she loves to bring the business skills of the for profit business to the non profit world, where many non profits are brilliant at the work they do, but need support with building the foundation and running the business of the organization. Her calling is to help people be their best selves through the work they do, and in the case of the students, the work they aspire to do. Sherri has been with the NAO since 2016 serving as its Executive Director.

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MISSION STATEMENT

MISSION STATEMENT To create memorable musical experiences through education and performance with emphasis on the musical traditions of the Arab World.

t he nat iona l a r a b orchest r a The National Arab Orchestra (NAO) is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization that aims to preserve and integrate Arab culture through music education, outreach, and performance.

Founded in 2009 and established in 2010, the National Arab Orchestra is home to the Orchestra, the NAO Takht Ensemble (NAOTE), and the NAO Community Choir (NAOCC).

The NAO is dedicated to preserving and performing the classical and contemporary traditions of Arab music and provides opportunities that will bridge social and cultural barriers through music.

a bou t t he ensembl e The National Arab Orchestra Takht Ensemble (NAOTE) was founded in 2010 as the NAO’s premiere traditional ensemble performing some of Arab music’s finest classical repertoire. This ensemble is comprised of instruments such as: ‘oud´ (Arab lute), qanun (Arab zither), nay (Arab reed flute), violin, riqq (Arab tambourine), table (Arab goblet drum), and bass. The NAOTE performs classical and contemporary Arab music otherwise known as tarab music. Tarab music is characterized by its melodic modes known as maqamat (sing. maqam) and complex rhythmic modes (iqa’at). It is also distinguished by the art of improvisation, or taqasim, during which a musician outlines a melodic mode and/or modulates to other related modes. The audience plays an extremely important role in tarab music, since listeners (sami’ah) will often respond with applause during and after a musician’s improvised solos.

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MEET THE TAKHT ENSEMBLE

Meet the Takht

Ensemble

Violin (Kamanja) Layth Al Rubaye

Qanun (Arab Harp): Victor Ghannam

Conductor

Nay (Arab Reed Flute):

Michael Ibrahim

Naeif Rafeh

† Director

Oud (Arab Lute):

*Guest Artist

Michael Ibrahim †

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NATIONAL ARAB ORCHESTRA

TURATH: THE ARAB AMERICAN STORY IN SONG

Guest Musicians From the Flint Symphony Orchestra Violin Tracy Dunlop Alesia Byrd Johnson

Double Bass

Viola:

Jonathan Hammonds

Alycia Wilder

Percussion (Iqa’):

Cello:

Eddy Fadel Dr. Gursharan Singh Sandhu

Vocalists (Mutrib/Mutribah): Abdulsalam Al-Najjar*

Julia Ford Edwards

Double Bass: Gregg Emerson Powell

Lubana Al Quntar

Harp:

Usama Baalbaki

Amy C. Ley

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NATIONAL ARAB ORCHESTRA

FOUNDER AND MUSIC DIRECTOR

About the National Arab Orchestra's

Founder and Music Director The National Arab Orchestra's founder and

music director, Michael Ibrahim, is a dynamic

conductor and a recognized innovator in the Arab music circuit. A Metro-Detroit native,

he was born into a Syrian immigrant family of humble origins. He began his musical studies

on the ‘Ud, and later studying the Bassoon and Nay as his musical training progressed.

Ibrahim’s background and unique a pproac h t o c om p os i t ion a n d improv isation—f using Wester n and Arab music idioms— has led to performances in concert halls and venues the world over.

Ibrahim studied under renowned musicians

Simon Shaheen, Johnny Sarweh, Nadeem Dlaikan, Douglas Bianchi, Anthony Iannacconne, Dr. David Pierce, Robert Williams, and Victoria King. He earned a bachelor degree in music from Eastern Michigan University, and a Master of Music degree in conducting from Wayne State University.

Ibrahim’s background and unique approach to composition and improvisation—fusing Western and Arab music idioms— has led to performances in concert halls and venues the world over, features on a number of recordings and film scores, and opportunities to share the stage with some of the most influential figures in Western and Arab music.

His role as an educator, providing instrumental and

ensemble

instruction,

lectures

and

demonstrations on Arab music, privately and in the classroom, at university and grade school levels, ultimately brought him to founding the NAO, where he currently serves as Music Director.

Ibrahim hopes that through his performances and educational efforts, he can instill a wider appreciation for Arab music and its heritage.

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TURATH: THE ARAB AMERICAN STORY IN SONG

P rogr a m K h at w i t H a bi be Hilween Min Yawmina A h b a bi n a Ya ‘Ay n Ya Fay i t n i A n a A l bi L e e k M aya l Bu i l di ng Br i d ges t h rough Music Alf Leila Wa sl i t Q u d od M i n Yi sh t i r i I n R a h M i n a k Ya ‘Ay n Ta l ou H b a bn a ‘Aysh i Wa h da B a l a k Gh a r a m

Moh a m e d A bde l Wa h a b S ay i d M a k k aw i Usama Baalbaki, vocalist

Fa r i d A l at r a sh Usama Baalbaki, vocalist

Moh a m e d i l- Qa s a bj i Lubana Al Quntar, vocalist

Moh a m e d i l-Mo g e e Lubana Al Quntar, vocalist Featuring Students from Fordson High School

Moh a m e d A bde l Wa h a b A l l e pa n Fol k l or e

Abdulsalam Al Najjar, vocalist

R i a d a l-S u n b at i

Lubana Al Quntar, vocalist

Mou n i r Mu r a d

Lubana Al Quntar, vocalist

Z a k i N a s si f

Usama Baalbaki, vocalist

Ziad R ahbani

Usama Baalbaki, vocalist

M ic h a e l I br a h i m

with members of the Flint Symphony

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The National Arab Orchestra’s

Standard of Excellence Award The National Arab Orchestra’s Standard of Excellence Award is given to individuals whom have demonstrated exceptional work in the impacting their communities through the arts. Award recipients have displayed leadership, musical excellence, and an established legacy in educational outreach.

Tonights awardee

NADIM DLAIKAN

Nadim Dlaikan was born in Alai, Lebanon in 1941, and as a child began playing the nye, a reed flute. Although his family discouraged him from playing this instrument because it was associated with lowly shepherds, he persisted and even found ways to make his own flutes out of locally grown reeds. Dlaikan began studying after school with Naim Bitar, the country's premiere flutist at the Lebanese Conservatory.

Upon

graduation

Dlaikan

moved to Beirut, and traveled frequently throughout the Middle East as part of Lebanon's best-known folk troupe. In 1969, a staff member at the U.S. Embassy heard him playing at a Fourth of July party and

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STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

encouraged him to perform in the United

is being said." Within this cultural mix, Dlaikan

States. Dlaikan first came to the U.S. as a

is recognized as a teacher of tradition and the

back-up musican for Lebanese pop singer

artistic glue that holds both musical groups

Samira Tawfik. Eventually he settled in Detroit,

and the community together. In addition, he is

home to the largest and most diverse Arab

recognized nationwide as a premiere maker of

community in the country. Sally Howell of the

flutes and a master of his own unique musical

University of Michigan says musical groups in

traditions.

the Detroit/Dearborn area are an eclectic bunch.

"An ensemble of such musicians may contain

Bio taken from the National Endowment for the Arts Website

a self-taught Palestinian American, a recently arrived Lebanese who was trained by an uncle in a very traditional setting, an Iraqi Christian who picked up his love of music in an Iraqi garage band, and a Turk who is still struggling to learn enough Arabic to keep up with what

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VOCALISTS

LUBANA AL QUNTAR Lubana Al Quntar comes from a Syrian family that is deeply rooted in classical Arabic music. She is related to singer/actress Amal Al Atrash (known by her stage name, Asmahan) and her brother, renowned composer and singer Farid Al Atrash. These connections influenced her musical path and played an important role in her decision to seek a career as a professional singer. Born in Syria, she began singing at an early age and had an unusual gift for singing challenging sung poetry from childhood. Today Lubana performs a wide a range of repertoire within the Arab music canon which include music from the classical, contemporary, folk, and pop genres. Her expressive voice allows her to add luster and richness to the various singing styles. In addition to traditional Arab song, Lubana studied opera and became the first Syrian opera singer to attain international recognition, as she appeared in concerts throughout Europe. She returned to head the Department Department of Opera Singing and launched the Department of Classical Arabic Singing at the Syrian National Conservatory. This was a ground-breaking event because, for the first time, students could study both operatic and traditional singing at an accredited institution. She established the Arabic Music Singing Ensemble that performed across the Middle East. She came to the United States in 2012 and has since performed in numerous venues across the country in addition to her European performances.

USAMA BAALBAKI is of Lebanese descent and was born in Kuwait. He began studying music at the age of eight learning to play the ‘oud and accordion, eventually playing and singing at the age of twelve on “Mamma Anisa,” a Kuwaiti children’s television program. Moving to the USA in 1987, Usama established himself as an active performer whose musical ability has led him to travel across the nation; sharing the stage with many great artists from the Middle East and the United States, including artists such as Tony Bennet. As a result of his Founder / Music Director Co-Founder Directors Michael Ibrahim Dr. Vasken Artinian Karen Barbee Adkisson Fahd Al-Hassan Dr. Lester Monts Siham Awada-Jaafar singing and community involvement, Usama played the role of Egyptian composer and singer, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, in the

play Rasasa fi al Qalb written by Tawfik Hakim. In 1999 Usama received the AMAL award from ANA/MBC Radio and TV in Washington D.C. for the best Arab American vocalist. Usama currently serves as Chairman on the Board of Directors for the National Arab Orchestra and has been a long time and committed supporter of the NAO since 2009.

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BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH MUSIC

I joined the Building Bridges Through Music program because I know how beautiful diversity

BUILDING BRIDGES Through Music

can be when we come together.

Aimee DuPont Student

The Building Bridges Through Music (BBTM) program is designed to teach students about the beauty and richness of the Arab culture while providing opportunities for cultural understanding and enrichment.

Choir Director, Fordson High School

Program Director

Matthew Laura

Michael Ibrahim

Select Students from

Fordson Highschool Choir Program 15 / NAT IONA L A R A B ORCH EST R A

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM THE NATIONAL ARAB ORCHESTRA’S MENTORSHIP PROGRAM OFFERS TUTELAGE AND GUIDANCE TO ASPIRING YOUNG ARTISTS WANTING TO EXPAND THEIR CAREER IN ARAB MUSIC.

Featured Mentoree

ABDULSALAM AL-NAJJAR Abdulsalam Al Najjar was born in Homs, Syria where he began his musical studies with Nawal Wassouf, the sister of famed singing icon, George

Wassouf. In addition to his private studies, Abdulsalam began participating in in school competitions and programs where he continued to hone

his craft, ultimately starting a traditional vocal ensemble that performed

traditional and religious repertoire. Having left Syria in 2013, Abdulsalam settled in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he is currently studying Industrial

and Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan. Abdulsalam

has recently enrolled in the National Arab Orchestra’s Mentorship Program where he is studying voice and oud with Michael Ibrahim. Tonight marks Abdulsalam’s first performance with the National Arab Orchestra.

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The mentorship program gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my cultural roots while exposing me to a new genre of music I now include in my musical career.

Emma Lee Aboukasm

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THIS SEASON THENAO NAOHAS HAS TAUGHT THE TAUGHT

OVER

500 FOR 5,000 STUDENTS PERFORMED

OVER

PEOPLE

AND GAINED OVER

41,000+ ONLINE SUBSCRIBERS

Members Matter Donors and Benefactors Founders Society, $10,000+

Principal Players, $1,000-$1,499

Anonymous

Mr. Michael Albayya Mr. Fahd Al-Hassan

Mrs. Karen Barbee Adkisson

Mr. & Mrs. Michel and Hilda Ansara

Mr. & Mrs. Sid and Julie Mielke

Dr. & Mrs. Isam Daboul and Nada Taleb

Executive Chair, $5,000-$9,999 Dr. & Mrs. Marwan and Samia Haddad Mr. & Mrs. Sharif Hussein and Pascale Eid

Mr. & Mrs. Richard and Peggy Karam Mr. & Mrs. Roy and Maha Freij Dr. & Mrs. Ghiath and Lama Tayeb

Mr. & Mrs. Ghassan and Manal Saab

Qanun Chair, $775-$999

Mr. Salim Sessine

Mr. George Atallah

Dr. & Mrs. Tony and Wafa Sultani

Mr. & Mrs. Fred and Jade Battah

Maestro's Podium, $2,500-$4,999

Oud Chair, $525-$774

Dr. Shihab Diais

Mr. Abbas Selgi

Concert Master, $1,500-$2,499

Friend, $275-$524

Anonymous

American Lebanese Club

Mr. & Mrs. Khalil and Ann Saab

Mr. & Mrs. Abdul and Shadia Hammuda

Dr. Mouhammad Jumaa and Dr. Sara Droubi

Dr. Maamun Darwich

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YOUR GIFT. YOUR LEGACY.

The Flint Institute of Music, which includes the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint School of Performing Arts and Flint Repertory Theatre, is changing lives through a lifelong continuum of music, dance and theatre.

YOUR PLANNED GIVING OPTIONS • Bequest – Naming the FIM as the beneficiary of a percentage of your estate, which is the most common form of planned giving • Retirement Plan/IRA/Pension – The FIM can be

You can help sustain this important legacy –

named as the beneficiary of all or part of your

and establish a legacy of your own – by

IRA or other pension assets

making a planned gift. Your support allows us to continue in our mission to provide outstanding performing arts opportunities for the entire community.

For more information, please contact Heidi Kelley at 810.341.1758 or email hkelley@thefim.org

• Charitable Trust – There are several kinds of trusts that allow you to donate all or part of trust assets to the FIM

Flint Symphony Orchestra Flint School of Performing Arts Flint Repertory Theatre

THANK YOU

A Special Thank You from our board (In no particular order) Our Community and Presenting Partners Arab American Heritage Council Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs Flint Institute of Music

Musicians, Vocalists, and Guest Artists (See roster)

NAO Staff Sherri Richards, Executive Director Reginald Tiessen, Assistant Program Director Dave Schall, Production Manager Haifa Jamalieh, Art Director Trevor Spagnoletti, Digital Marketing Director

General Thank You's Widad Abed, Devon Akmon, Anaam Asmar, Elyssa Bisoski, Lilian Boufakhreddine, Cindy Cash, Robert Doyle – Edsel Ford High School, Debbie Fernandez, Maha Freij, Katherine Grabowski, Lizzy Graham, Jamele Hage, Rep. Abdullah Hammoud, Abdullah Hammuda, Steve Hinz – Chelsea High School, Hasan Jaber, Hassane Jaafar, Sandy Jamalieh, Bashar Kalai, Mak Kasir, Very Rev. Fr. Ayman & Elaina Kfouf, Matthew Laura – Fordson High School, Rita Mansour, Saadallah Masri, Fr. Wisam Matti, Julie Mielke, Turkia Mullen, Vince Paul, Alma Richeh, Ann Saab, Ghassan Manal Saab, Dr. Karem Sackallah, Khaled Satary, Salim Sessine, Very Rev. Fr. George Shalhoub, Mike Shehadeh, Osama Siblani, Rabih Suki, Dr. Tony Sultani.

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2018 - 2019 SEASON MEMBERSHIP FORM

Season Membership Form

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Thank You to our Continued Partners and Supporters

GHASSAN AND MANAL SAAB FOUNDATION

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Institute of Music, which includes

Symphony Orchestra, Flint School of

g Arts and Flint Repertory Theatre,

ng lives through a lifelong

m of music, dance and theatre.

YOUR PLANNED GIVING OPTIONS • Bequest – Naming the FIM as the beneficiary of a percentage of your estate, which is the most common form of planned giving • Retirement Plan/IRA/Pension – The FIM can be

elp sustain this important legacy –

named as the beneficiary of all or part of your

lish a legacy of your own – by

IRA or other pension assets

planned gift. Your support allows

tinue in our mission to provide

ng performing arts opportunities

ntire community.

e information, please contact ley at 810.341.1758 or elley@thefim.org

• Charitable Trust – There are several kinds of trusts that allow you to donate all or part of trust assets to the FIM

Flint Symphony Orchestra Flint School of Performing Arts Flint Repertory Theatre