This landmark concert marks the release of Faraj Abyad’s new album The Sun of My Existence, a collection of original compositions commissioned by Abu Dhabi Festival and MetLiveArts. The music is rooted in Pan-Arab and Western traditions, with classical Arabic poetry at its centre — drawing on texts by both contemporary and historic poets.
Alongside these new works, the programme 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 Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and Abu Dhabi Festival, 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.
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.
Programme
75-minute run-time
Artists
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
Piano
Dayramir Gonzalez
Bass
François Moutin
Percussion
Led by Zafer Tawil
Latin | Arabic
Guitars
Flamenco: GuillermoGuillén
Jazz: John McCormick
Juilliard Strings
Led by Nami Nazar
6 Violins | 3 Violas | 3 Cellos
Horns
Led by DayramirGonzalez
Trumpet | Trombone | Saxophone
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