Hear classic film music from the golden age of Arab cinema, the 1930s to the 1960s. Top composer-performers from Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria created music for the most popular films and theater in the Arab world. Simon Shaheen performs on the ‘ud (Arab lute) and violin, joined by the Syrian vocalist Nadia Raies and an ensemble with ney (Arab flute), qanun (Arab zither), cello, and percussion.
Shaheen has long been a major force in Arab music as composer, performer, and educator. He is a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow, America’s highest honor in the traditional arts.