Faraj Abyad - Album Release Concert: The Sun of My Existence

This concert marks the release of Faraj Abyad’s new album Shamsu W’Joudi, a collection of original compositions commissioned by Abu Dhabi Festival and MetLiveArts. The music is rooted in both Pan-Arab and Western traditions, with classical Arabic poetry at its center—drawing on texts by both contemporary and historic poets. Alongside these new works, the program includes cherished Arabic classics, among them folkloric Syrian songs and Muwashahat, reimagined through Afro-Cuban jazz and Western classical influences.

Visual art accompanies the performance through works from iconic modern Arab artists, presented courtesy of the Barjeel Art Foundation. Curated in dialogue with the music, these artworks create a visual journey that deepens the listening experience.

The concert also introduces Athar Orchestra New York in its inaugural performance. This ensemble brings together musicians from classical, jazz, Arabic, and microtonal traditions, creating a unique space where diverse musical languages converge. Adding to this immersive experience, the performance will showcase the OMA PROMA Scottsdale Concert loudspeakers for the first time, delivering the music with extraordinary clarity and high-fidelity sound.

Athar Orchestra New York—named by H.E. Huda Kanoo and led by Faraj Abyad—is dedicated to uniting the rich and diverse musical cultures of New York City through Arabic poetry and Maqam. Presenting bi-monthly concerts in the city’s most iconic venues, the orchestra offers audiences a singular blend of tradition and innovation.

H.E. Huda Kanoo shares the inspiration behind the orchestra’s name, Athar: "Arabic, with all its richness, allows the word 'Athar' to convey many shades of meaning—Trace, Mark, Legacy, Heritage, Impression, Effect, and Influence. We chose this name because 'Athar' embodies not only dedication and human generosity, but also the values of determination and solidarity in the pursuit of cultural dialogue, the exchange of thought and knowledge, and the connection between the civilizations of East and West. It also reflects the transformative power of music and its unique ability to carry this message to the world."

Athar is conducted by Ismail Lumanovski—a Juilliard alumnus and New York Times–acclaimed virtuoso of the oriental clarinet—who leads with unmatched artistry. Under his direction, the orchestra’s 12-piece string section, comprised of top Juilliard students and virtuosic soloists from Classical Arabic, Jazz, and world music backgrounds, joins world-leading soloists across genres, including Arabic, Flamenco, Turkish, Afro-Cuban, Classical, and Jazz. Together, up to 30 musicians share the stage in a dynamic, cross-cultural performance that brings these diverse musical traditions vividly to life.

Athar Orchestra New York:

Vocals / Leader
Faraj Abyad

Clarinet / Maestro
Ismail Lumanovski

Qanun
Tamer Pinarbasi

Piano
Dayramir Gonzalez

Bass
François Moutin

Percussion
Led by Zafer Tawil
Latin | Arabic

Guitars
Flamenco: Guillermo Guillén
Jazz: John McCormick

Juilliard Strings
Led by Nami Nazar
6 Violins | 3 Violas | 3 Cellos

Horns
Led by Dayramir Gonzalez
Trumpet | Trombone | Saxophone