DETROIT — Oud virtuoso and composer Simon Shaheen will perform Concerto No.1 for Oud and Orchestra with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and conductor Tito Munoz on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008 at the Max. M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit.

Oud virtuoso Simon Shaheen

The event is a world premiere of his performance and will feature a distinct, eclectic style that blends Arabic melodies, jazz improvisation, and Latin American rhythms to create a memorable experience.
Shaheen is one of America’s top Arabic musicians and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is considered one of the best in America. The performance will be the first-ever concerto written for an oud musician.

Shaheen has previously played at renowned locations such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Cairo’s Opera House, Theatre de la Ville in Beirut, and Belgium’s Le Palais des Arts.

Shaheen was also recognized in 1994 at the White House with the prestigious National Heritage Award for his contributions to the legacy and advancement of Arab music.

In addition to the concert event, Shaheen will donate his childhood oud to the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn to add to its music display.

For tickets or more information on the event, call 313.576.5111 or visit www.detroitsymphony.com.