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Portrait of Simon Shaheen

Simon Shaheen

Virtuoso in Arabic music, oud and violin master.

Born
1955
Born in
Tarshiha, Galilee, Palestine
Path
Music
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Why Simon is here

Simon Shaheen is a celebrated musician who has masterfully blended traditional Arabic music with Western classical and jazz, making significant contributions to world music and the preservation and evolution of Arabic musical heritage.

Their story

Simon Shaheen, a virtuoso on both the violin and oud, has gained international acclaim for his fusion of Arabic music with various Western styles. Born into a musical family, he was profoundly influenced by his father, an accomplished composer and musician. Shaheen's work reflects a deep legacy of Arabic music while innovating within the genre, earning him worldwide recognition and numerous awards.

In pictures

Milestones

The moments that shaped Simon’s path.

  1. 1955

    Born in Tarshiha, Galilee to a musical family.

  2. 1978

    Studied Western violin in Haifa and earned a BA in music and Arabic literature in Tel Aviv.

  3. 1980

    Moved to New York for doctoral study in music performance and education.

  4. 1982

    Established the Near East Music Ensemble in New York.

  5. 1997

    Founded the annual Arabic Music Retreat, held at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Fusion of Arabic and Western Music

    Shaheen specializes in blending traditional Arabic music with Western classical and jazz.

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  2. Establishment of Music Ensembles

    Founded the Near Eastern Music Ensemble and Qantara, promoting Arabic music in diverse musical contexts.

  3. Music Education and Outreach

    Dedicated to teaching and working with prestigious schools and universities, sharing his expertise in Arabic music.

  4. Soundtrack Contributions

    Contributed to soundtracks for films like "The Sheltering Sky" and "Malcolm X," and composed the entire soundtrack for the UN-sponsored documentary "For Everyone Everywhere".

  5. Innovative Recordings and Performances

    Released several influential albums and has been recognized for his innovative work in music, including receiving the National Heritage Award in the United States.

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