Simon Shaheen Ensemble at Corpus Christi Church

Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Simon Shaheen and Ensemble will replace the previously announced collaboration between Vincent Ségal and Sabîl, who are unable to be in NYC due to visa insecurity resulting from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

If you already bought tickets for Vincent Ségal and Sabîl and wish to attend the new show, your tickets will be valid for the same seats you received earlier. We understand that you might want to return your tickets. If so, please email concertmanager@mb1800.org and your request will be processed. 

Corpus Christi Church – 529 W 121st Street, Manhattan

Doors: 3:30 PM | Show: 4 PM

Tickets: $20 | $35 | $50 | $60 – Member benefits apply – Member prices: $16 | $28 | $40 | $48

Co-presented with MB1800 (Music Before 1800 – the longest-running early music concert series in New York City)

Born in the village of Tarshiha in the Galilee, Palestinian oud virtuoso Simon Shaheen is one of the most significant Arab musicians touring today. His soaring technique has dazzled audiences for decades in traditional music as well as western and jazz compositions. Shaheen’s unique contribution to traditional Arabic music was recognized by a prestigious National Heritage Award given at The White House. 

In addition to his work in traditional and classical Arabic music, Shaheen has participated in many cross-cultural collaborations including performances with Sting, Quincy Jones, Bill Laswell, and The Klezmatics. He is also a Professor at Berklee College of Music.

For this special concert celebrating authentic Palestinian music, Shaheen is joined by long-time collaborators on traditional instruments. The program will include instrumental and vocal forms such as the “Qasida” (classical Arabic composed poetry), the “Muwashshah” (a poetic form set to music that goes back to the Andalusian time in Spain), “Sama`i” (an instrumental four-part form utilizing the authentic 10/8 meter), and “Tahmila” (an instrumental form with metric improvisation in call-and-response between solo and ensemble). Additionally, the ensemble will present a medley of Palestinian folk music and improvisation that is practiced in Syria, Palestine and Lebanon.

Musicians include:

Simon Shaheen – Oud and Violin
Firas Zreik – Qanun
Tareq Rantisi – percussion
Layan Hawila – Singer
Rami Abuolaya – Nay

The ORIGINS series features artists who delve into the folklore and roots of their respective culture’s music to tell the story of their origins, preserving and affirming cultural identities and legacies.