Qantara Berklee Ensemble: Al Qantara
Qantara Berklee Ensemble
Image courtesy of the artists
Al Qantara brings to life the vision of Simon Shaheen, Qantara Berklee Ensemble director, for the fusion of world jazz, near Eastern, Western classical, and Latin American music, transcending boundaries of genre and geography.
The repertoire includes selections by Shaheen, world-renowned composers, and ensemble students. The Qantara Berklee Ensemble is a diverse group that includes three violins, viola, two cellos, piano, cuatro, bass, percussion, qanun (zither), oud (lute), three winds (clarinet, flute, and nay), voice, and harp.