About Me
Michael Ibrahim is one of the newest and most innovative emerging artists to the Arabic music scene. As a Syrian American, born in Sterling Heights Michigan, Michael displayed unprecedented talent and passion for Arabic music at an early age. Michael has studied the oud (Arabic lute) since the age of ten and ney (arabic flute) since the age of twenty. His teachers have included world-renowned artists: Simon Shaheen, Johny Sarweh, Sakher Hattar, Bassam Saba and Nadeem Dlaikan. In addition to playing both oud and ney, Michael also performs on folkloric instruments such as the mizmar/zurna (Arabic shawm) and the mijwiz (a dual piped clarinet). As a student at Eastern Michigan University, Michael studies bassoon with Dr. David Pierce and composition with Dr. Anthony Iannaccone. Some of Michael’s other teachers have included: Robert Williams, Principal Bassoonist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Vicky King, Second Bassoonist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Alayne Rever. As an active composer, Michael has premiered several works for small ensemble and solo piano at Eastern Michigan University.Given his diverse musical background, Michael has performed in various musical venues. Some of these venues have included: zeffas, classical western recitals, traditional Arabic weddings, parties, religious services, etc. Michael has also performed with top musicians such as Simon Shaheen, Michel Merhej, Bassam Saba, Amir Al-Saffar, and Kinan Azmeh. He also performed with Arabic pop stars such as: Rabih al-Asmar, Hussam al-Rassam, Melheim Zein, Ismail Farwaji, and Mahmoud Anwar. Michael has also been a featured guest performer with the New York Arabic Orchestra. As a recording artist, Michael has been featured on several recordings by Moda Music Productions. Michael’s diverse musical background reflects his unique approach to composition and improvisation. As an artist, Michael fuses both western and Arabic music traditions. Michael’s interest in ‘Arab fusion’ recently culminated in a tour to Europe with the Eyvand Kang Orchestra. There, the orchestra premiered several works incorporating Arabic music idioms with contemporary western music. Currently, Michael is the founder and member of, Ahwak, a classical Arabic ensemble based in Dearborn, Michigan, and currently the director of the Arabic Music Ensemble at the University of Michigan.As a teacher, Michael has taught both privately and in the classrooms of various high schools and middle schools in the Greater Detroit area. Most recently, Michael was given the opportunity to implement a new Arabic music program at Fordson High school in Dearborn, Michigan. There, he directed and assisted the Arabic instrumental and vocal programs. Michael hopes that through teaching and performing, he will be able to preserve and cultivate a wider appreciation for Arabic music.
