Geography Some of the world’s oldest civilizations were connected with parts of today’s Middle East. These include the Egyptian, Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian civilizations.
National Arab Orchestra founder and conductor Michael Ibrahim formed his first takht (traditional Arab chamber group) in 2009 while he was a music student at Eastern Michigan University. A Michigan-born Arab-American, he began studying oud at age 10 and soon became fascinated with Arab music and culture. The National Arab Orchestra promotes music through education and performance, with an emphasis on preserving the musical traditions of the Arab World. Vocalists: Ghada Derbas and Usama Baalbaki.