On April 25, 2010, more than 500 people gathered in the decorated halls of Irvine Auditorium to enjoy an afternoon of music and songs that combined the sounds of traditional Arab maqamat and the big brass sounds of American Jazz. Simon Shaheen was the featured guest. His compositions defined the program and the beauty of his oud and violin reverberated in the hall.

In the first segment, Shaheen performed with members of the Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble and director Hanna Khoury. They played Samai’i Kurd, Qum Ya Mughan, Nassam Alayna, and Arboresque. The second segment was by GAMP School Jazz Band members led by director Vincent Rutland, performing their rendition of Shaheen’s Saraab and Olive Harvest. Then members of the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble led by director Marc Johnson performed Breeze in Bisaan. The final act featured Simon Shaheen performing Al-Qantara and Dance Mediterranea with eight student musicians of the selected All-Star Ensemble.

It was a wonderful afternoon and a great honor for Al-Bustan to be hosting Simon Shaheen. We are in awe of all the talented musicians and grateful of all the student performers and their directors for their amazing dedication. We thank our co-presenters University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University for their support.

Below are some photos taken by Joslyn Duncan, Jaci Downs, and Hazami Sayed. . .enjoy!

Simon Shaheen with Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble:

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GAMP School Jazz Band:

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Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble:

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Simon Shaheen with All-Star Music Ensemble:

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