National Arab Orchestra to perform in Turkey for the first time

The National Arab Orchestra will perform in Turkey for the first time as part of the Türkiye Kültür Yolu Festival. Founded in 2009 by conductor and multi-instrumentalist Michael Ibrahim, the ensemble has evolved from a small chamber group into a professional orchestra known for blending traditional Arabic music with modern symphonic arrangements.

The performance series will feature Palestinian vocalist Nai Barghouti, an international award winner, as the soloist. Barghouti is expected to merge traditional Tarab music with jazz and other musical styles. The concerts will showcase a fusion of Eastern and Western instruments, including the qanun, oud, ney, and percussion alongside strings, harp, guitar, and keyboards.

The tour begins in Ankara on Saturday, September 26, at the CSO Ada Ankara Ziraat Bankası Main Hall. The orchestra will then travel to Istanbul for two performances on Sunday, September 27, and Monday, September 28, at the Atatürk Cultural Center Türk Telekom Opera Hall.