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Lena Seikaly

Versatile Jazz Prodigy

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Date of Birth:

1986

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Falls Church, Virginia

Place of Birth:

Why Featured?

A unique blend of classical operatic training and jazz innovation, Lena Seikaly stands out as a Palestinian-American who has significantly contributed to the jazz genre while embracing her cultural heritage.

Brief bio

Lena Seikaly is a prominent jazz vocalist based in the Washington D.C. area, known for her rich mezzo-soprano voice and innovative approach to jazz. With over 15 years on the D.C. jazz scene, she has made an indelible mark as both a revivalist of traditional jazz vocals and an innovator in contemporary vocal jazz styles. As a proud Palestinian American, Lena has explored her cultural roots through her music, blending Arabic musical elements with jazz in unique ways.

Major Milestones

Contributions

  • Semi-finalist in the 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition. This prestigious recognition highlighted her as a significant talent in the jazz world.

  • Alum of respected music programs, including the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program, the Jazz Aspen Snowmass program, and the Strathmore Artist-in-Residence program.

  • Released four albums between 2009 and 2018, showcasing her talents and versatility as a jazz vocalist.

  • Featured mezzo-soprano soloist in the world premiere of "The Unknown Sea" by David Conte in April 2023, a testament to her classical prowess.

  • Toured in Palestine and Israel in 2015 with the European-Palestinian ensemble Al-Manara, a project that was particularly meaningful to her as a Palestinian American (Lena Seikaly) (Palestine in America) .

  • Innovative fusion of jazz and Arabic music, showcasing her ability to blend and innovate across musical genres.

  • Educator and mentor to upcoming jazz vocalists, reflecting her commitment to nurturing new talent in the jazz community.

  • Pioneering collaborations with internationally renowned artists, including Kurt Elling, Byron Stripling, and Christian McBride, enriching the jazz genre.

  • Arranged a suite of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s music for a 16-piece version of the New Orchestra of Washington, premiered in 2012, displaying her skills as an arranger.

  • Significant influence in both jazz and classical music scenes, performing alongside top orchestras and choirs and being featured in works by composers across various eras (Lena Seikaly) .

Date of Last Update: 
September 3, 2024

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