DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan-based orchestra with a mission of reviving and celebrating Arab music is warming up for its eighth season opener.
The National Arab Orchestra performs Sunday evening in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, which has one of the largest and most concentrated Arab communities in the United States.
The theme of the concert at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center is "A Night of Tarab." Tarab is an Arabic word describing music's emotional effect and is associated with traditional artistic and musical forms.
The ensemble will be led by Michael Ibrahim, its founder and director.
The group was launched in 2009 as a takht, or small chamber music group. The nonprofit entity, composed of Arab and non-Arab musicians, has expanded to include a full orchestra and community choir.
