the Bil Afrah Project
The Bil Afrah Project is a diverse group of New York City musicians joined in celebrating the fortieth anniversary of one of the Middle East’s most legendary albums: Ziad Rahbani’s Bil Afrah. An instrumental song suite recorded by Rahbani’s ensemble in 1975, Bil Afrah features some of the Arab world’s most beloved standards, as well as the dazzling taqasim (improvisations) for which the Arabic tradition is so well-known. Renowned in the Arab world, the album is a favorite of aficionados and an inspiration to musicians, and its songs are performed often. But rarely, if ever, has the Bil Afrah suite been performed in its totality, live and in sequence. The Bil Afrah Project presents a rare opportunity to hear this masterpiece of the Arab world performed live, by an expansive Arabic-music ensemble featuring violins, bass, qanun (zither), oud (fretless lute), buzuq (fretted lute), and Arabic percussion.
Near East River Ensemble
Modern Arabic-Influenced Chamber Music
Music that draws on the intersection of Arabic music, the Western Classical tradition and jazz-influenced improvisation, performed by musicians with deep commitment to and in-depth experience in these art forms.
Brian Prunka Trio
The Trio is a new project dedicated to playing the dozens of instrumental "songs" I've written over the years. Not quite jazz, not quite Americana, these are just song-like tunes I've written for myself over the years. Featuring Ben Gallina on bass as well as Philip Mayer on drums.