The AME is comprised of conservatory-trained musicians from the Middle East and North Africa who perform the classical Arab repertoire. The traditional takht (violin, qanun, ‘ud, cello, and percussion) forms the foundation of the AME. Permanent AME instrumentalists are Hanna Khoury, violin; Hicham Chami, qanun; and Kinan Abou-Afach, cello. Youssef Kassab is lead vocalist with the AME; prominent international guest artists, both instrumentalists and vocalists, record and tour with the AME.
The AME’s mission is to preserve and transmit the legacy of classical Arabic music through making studio recordings of historically-significant composers, presenting top-calibre performances of the finest works from the classical oeuvre, educating students of all ages in Arabic music history and technique, and engaging in community networking at all levels.
Not only is the AME one of the very few ensembles in North America devoted solely to the classical Arab repertoire, but the AME claims the distinction of maintaining a focus on the composer in all of its recordings and concerts--as Le Devoir (Montreal) expressed it, “Le Compositeur d’Abord!†Each recording project involves substantial translation, research, and transcription/arranging in consultation with respected ethnomusicologists, resulting in a product that combines artistic and educational achievement. The AME’s dedication to presenting the popular and lesser-known works of time-honored composers keeps this music alive for current and future generations.
Concert tours produced in conjunction with AME's recording series give audiences the rare experience of hearing classical Arabic music as it is meant to be performed...not in a “modern†style, but as if transported to a concert hall from decades past. The
AME is privileged to re-acquaint those of Arab origin with the authentic music of their heritage, and to introduce this music to many listeners for the first time. Music critic Peter Margasak writes, “Unless you travel to the Middle East, it’s hard to see this stuff played live—and nearly impossible to find a group that can do it with such elegance and passion.â€
The Arabesque Music Ensemble credits its vocalist, legendary singer Youssef Kassab, with keeping the ensemble true to its mission, whether in its recordings or live performances. Ustad Kassab, who has collaborated with many of the “greats†in the Arabic music pantheon, serves as a “link to the past†and is tireless in mentoring the ensemble’s younger musicians in the traditional techniques. With this continual guidance, the AME is well-positioned to represent a “revivalist†approach in its artistic efforts.
The Arabesque Music Ensemble’s educational activities range from classroom presentations and youth concerts to college residencies and cultural programs for community/governmental agencies. The annual Heartland Seminar on Arabic Music, a six-day residential program designed both for people who wish to begin their study as well as those who seek to improve their skills offers participants the opportunity to learn from AME musicians one-to-one and in small ensembles. A year- round academy for the study and teaching of classical Arabic music, in the development phase, will complement existing cooperative ventures with music schools around the U.S.
The ensemble has garnered critical acclaim, with praise from for its "precise rhythms and perfect intonation" (Washington Post) as well as its "rich textures and musical versatility" (Los Angeles Times). The Seattle Post-Intelligencer deemed the Darweesh concert "a fascinating and polished performance"; the Chicago Reader asserted, "the outstanding group brings a historical authenticity to the material and plays it with crackling precision."
