Layaali Arabic Music Ensemble

“LAYAALI has been a stand-up hit at Hampshire College for many years. They bring to every performance a contagious love of their repertoire and a deep understanding of the traditions and cultures from which it springs. Their artistry, enthusiasm and humor combine to make their performances uniquely memorable.”

Robert Meagher, Professor of Ancient Studies, Hampshire College

“I wanted to commend all the members of Layaali for an outstanding performance at Yale University. The group’s professionalism and enthusiasm made the concert a grand success ... Layaali is a shining example of how to inspire social change through cross-cultural understanding. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.”

Greta Scharnweber, Director, Middle East Studies, Yale Center for International and Area Studies

“Layaali's performance was a richly textured evocation of Arab culture. The audience was transported to places most have never been, and probably will never be. Thanks so much for enriching our campus culture. We will definitely see you again.”

Susan Pinsker, Professor of Behavioral Sciences, Berkshire Community College

LAYAALI ARABIC MUSIC ENSEMBLE is a group of talented musicians whose love and dedication to Arabic music have earned them wide acclaim from both ethnomusicologists and audiences at sold-out performances throughout the U.S. and internationally. The ensemble is committed to performing the traditional music of the Arab world and to preserving the rich legacy of Arabic culture through soulful vocals, hypnotic instrumental improvisations, electrifying percussion, and faithful renditions and recordings of master works.

LAYAALI’s mission is to increase the awareness of Arabic music and culture through concerts, recordings, workshops and lectures. Members of the ensemble have performed at major international concert halls, colleges and universities, world music festivals, notable music halls and at church concerts nationwide.

The ensemble: Insia Malik is a versatile violinist with experience in a wide array of styles and languages of artistic expression. Gabriel Lavin plays the oud and is a musician and scholar who recently obtained a PhD in Ethnomusicology from UCLA. Simon Moushabeck plays a quarter-tone accordion and is a New Orleans-based Palestinian multi-instrumentalist trained in both Western and Arabic classical music styles. A highly accomplished qanun player, Jamal Sinno taught qanun at Mount Holyoke College’s Arabic Music Retreat for over 25 years. A Palestinian, born and raised in Beirut, Michel Moushabeck is a versatile percussionist with over 40-years experience in tabla, riqq, and daff performance.

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Layaali Arabic Music Ensemble

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