Loading ...Haflah Arab Fusion Festival brings unique concert performance to Detroit September 19th
The Michigan Philharmonic and The National Arab Orchestra will bring music lovers together this concert season for the first-ever HAFLAH! Arab Fusion Festival at Detroit’s Music Hall. In Arabic, “Haflah” means “large festive party” – and what a musical party it will be! This unique concert features classical music with a Middle Eastern flair, as well as works by Middle Eastern composers and others from around the world.
“This concert collaboration has never been done before and that’s one of the reasons the Michigan Philharmonic is so excited to work with Michael Ibrahim and the musicians of the National Arab Orchestra,” said Beth Stewart, the executive director of The Michigan Philharmonic.
According to Nan Washburn, Music Director and Conductor of the Michigan Philharmonic, one of the things that makes this an extra special musical event is the opportunity for musicians of the Michigan Philharmonic to perform side by side with the fabulous musicians of the National Arab Orchestra, to premier composer Kareem Roustom’s exciting new work, Hewar (‘dialogue’ or ‘conversation’). “Kareem has written a musical expression of the interplay between musicians and between cultures”, said Washburn, “in my book, this type of special musical event is one of the best and most fun ways to build cultural bridges and celebrate our wonderfully diverse community.”
Many Detroit arts and culture organizations have helped make this unique concert possible. The Haflah! Arab Fusion Festival is a winner of the 2013 Knight Arts Challenge Detroit, an initiative of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. “The arts offer a unique opportunity to experience different cultures and perspectives. This collaboration is testament to its potential to unite, inspire and connect diverse groups to the place they live and to each other,” said Victoria Rogers, Knight Foundation vice president for arts.
Another partner in this effort is Detroit Public Television who will produce a video of the performance with support from Knight Foundation, the Muna and Basem Hishmeh Foundation, and the American Syrian Arab Cultural Association. The concert will air Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 2:00 pm on local PBS station – Channel 56.
Michael Ibrahim, Founder and Director of the National Arab Orchestra invites the entire Detroit community to celebrate HAFLA- Detroit. “Music is a universal language and we have the opportunity to bring our audiences something unique and meaningful, celebrating the power of the arts to unite us all,” said Ibrahim.
About the Michigan Philharmonic
The Michigan Philharmonic – (or “Michigan Phil”) – is one of the most innovative and dynamic professional orchestras in Southeast Michigan. Nan Washburn, Music Director & Conductor since 1999, has won 19 ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music from the League of American Orchestras and was awarded First Place in The American Prize for Conducting with the Michigan Philharmonic receiving 2nd place for Professional Orchestras. The Michigan Phil is bringing its events into an ever-expanding roster of Michigan communities; including Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Livonia, Farmington, Brighton, Downtown Detroit, and many others. The Michigan Phil is committed to reaching out to a broad and diverse array of audiences and providing enjoyable cultural and social experiences, while encouraging anyone who loves live music events to “Spend the night with Michigan Phil.”
About the National Arab Orchestra
The National Arab Orchestra The National Arab Orchestra (NAO), under the direction of Music Director & Conductor, Michael Ibrahim, is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization that celebrates Arab heritage, and its music through educational outreach and performance. Founded in 2009 and established in 2010, the National Arab Orchestra is home to the NAO Orchestra, the National Arab Orchestra Takht Ensemble (NAOTE), and the NAO Community Choir (NAOCC); and has been dedicated to preserving and performing the classical and contemporary traditions of Arab music. The NAO provides opportunities that will bridge social and cultural barriers through its work in the greater community.
For tickets and more information, please visit www.michiganphil.org or call (734) 451-2112. Orchestrating the Extraordinary!