Faraj Abyad & Athar Orchestra New York – A Song of Piece

Faraj Abyad & Athar Orchestra New York – A Song of peace

Faraj Abyad & Athar Orchestra New York

أُغنيّة السّلام
A Song of Peace
One Maqam: Many Worlds
An Evening of Classical Arabic Music Across Cultures

In this concert, Faraj Abyad leads Athar Orchestra New York in a powerful meeting of musical worlds. With an orchestra of 30 musicians from across the region and beyond, he explores maqam—the Arabic modal system—as a living art form shaped by centuries of musical exchange.

At the heart of the program is A Song of Peace, an original composition set to the poetry of the great Emirati poet H.E. Dr. Mani Saeed Al Otaiba. In his words—
“لماذا لا نعودُ إلى التلاقي وننأى بالحوارِ عن الخصامِ”
(Why do we not return to meeting one another, and through dialogue move away from conflict)—the work reflects a deeper call for unity, dialogue, and peace.

The evening brings together reimagined classics from Oum Kalthoum and Abdel Halim Hafez, alongside original compositions by Faraj Abyad, including world premieres set to poetry by H.E. Dr. Mani Saeed Al Otaiba, as well as a new work inspired by a poem about Aleppo—the city he comes from and holds close.

The program highlights composers from across the region, representing diverse religions, backgrounds, and histories, and reflects a shared musical language that has connected these traditions across time.

Subtitled One Maqam: Many Worlds, the concert brings this idea into focus—offering a musical experience rooted in memory, expression, and a sense of connection that continues to resonate today.

Athar Orchestra New York

Faraj Abyad, vocals / leader
Ismail Lumanovski, clarinet / maestro
Tamer Pinarbasi, qanun
Dayramir Gonzalez, piano
Barry Stephenson, bass
Zafer Tawil, percussion
Taka Fuminikaido, percussion
Guillermo Guillén, flamenco guitar

Strings, led by Nami Nazar
(6 violins · 3 violas · 3 cellos)

Horns, led by Julieta Eugenio

Artists

Faraj Abyad
Syrian-American vocalist, oud player, and composer, Faraj Abyad is the founder and artistic director of Athar Orchestra New York. His work centers on maqam-based composition, bringing together Pan-Arabic music traditions with Western orchestration and jazz influences. Drawing on classical Arabic poetry, his music seeks to revive the spirit of tarab while speaking to a modern, global audience. As founder and artistic director of Athar, he shapes the ensemble’s vision—both musically and conceptually—building a platform that bridges cultures and redefines the possibilities of Middle Eastern orchestral music in New York.

Ismail Lumanovski
Macedonian-born clarinetist and composer Ismail Lumanovski is known for his genre-defying artistry, blending Balkan, Middle Eastern, and jazz traditions into a singular voice. A graduate of the Juilliard School, he has performed internationally as both a soloist and collaborator, earning recognition for his virtuosic technique and deeply expressive sound. As musical director and conductor of Athar Orchestra New York, he leads the ensemble with a dynamic and fluid approach, shaping the interpretation of repertoire across traditions while maintaining a cohesive artistic vision.

Produced by the Abu Dhabi Festival and Athar Orchestra New York

Performed by Athar Orchestra New York. Presented by Nouriel Roubini.

Special thanks to Abu Dhabi Festival and H.E. Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo for their vision and support in launching Athar and fostering a vibrant cultural community in New York, uniting traditions through the spirit of Arabic culture.