On a mission to incorporate and reflect a history of Arabic music, Palestinian oud and violin virtuoso Simon Shaheen also goes beyond traditional Arabic music, infusing his compositions with jazz and Western classical styles.

“I want to create a world music exceptionally satisfying to the ear and for the soul,” says Shaheen. “This is why I select members who are all virtuosos in their own musical forms, and whose expertise and knowledge can raise the music and the group’s performance to spectacular levels.”

Washington Performing Arts performances at Sixth & I are made possible by the Abramson Family Foundation and by an anonymous gift in appreciation of Douglas Wheeler’s continuing efforts on behalf of Washington Performing Arts.