The stylistic blending of music can be a risky and sophisticated one. That’s what makes musical innovators like Simon Shaheen so unique. Being one of the most inspiring and influential Arabic composers of his time, Simon Shaheen continues to evoke a sense of awe within his audience. The Philadelphia Inquirer dubs him as “A master of Arabic music.”
Shaheen will perform at the Rozsa Center of Performing Arts where he will display his extraordinary talent of blending classical Arabic with traditional Western and jazz styles. The audience will get a chance to experience the sheer beauty produced by such instruments as the Middle Eastern “oud” and the violin.
Born in Israel in 1955, Shaheen began playing the ‘oud at age 5. His father, Hikmat Shaheen, was a music teacher and a profound inspiration for his son. As Shaheen remembers, “Learning to play on the ‘oud from my father was the most powerful influence in my musical life.”
Shaheen later pursued a degree in Arabic literature and music performance whilst attending Tel Aviv University. In 1980, he immigrated to the United States and completed his studies in performance at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.
Currently, Shaheen still resides in New York City where he has organized a myriad of musical retreats and art festivals dedicated to Arabic music and culture. In addition, he created the Near Eastern Music Ensemble in 1982; placing his upmost emphasis on traditional Arabic music. Shaheen, however, has dedicated most of his involvement with the recently formed Qantara ensemble. The band brought to him the vision of intermingling traditional Arabic with Western classical, jazz, and Latin American music. “I want to create a world music exceptionally satisfying for the ear and for the soul,” states Shaheen.
Shaheen has also released a few recording debuts highlighting his work. His first and most notable release with Qantara, Blue Flame, exemplifies their experimentation with cross-cultural influence. The album garnered a considerable number of positive reviews. The Washington Post describes the debut as, “eminently cosmopolitan.”
Simon Shaheen continues to make substantial contributions to western music as he continues his quest for innovation and experimentation.
The performance will be at the Rozsa Center on Nov. 18. Tickets prices are $20 and $15 for the general public; prices for MTU students are $15 and $10. The performance are from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. For more information contact the Rozsa Center of Performing Arts, www.rozsa.mtu.edu or call their office at (906) 487-3200.