Firas Zreik

Firas Zreik (Kanun) Artist-composer, lyricist and educator Firas Zreik has performed and recorded across the world as a leader and highly sought collaborator. The Palestine-born New Yorker has transformed global perception of the Kanun. His treatment of the instrument preserves its identity as a vital part of the Maqam tradition and stretches its potential as a cultural chameleon enhancing a range of fresh, evolving sounds. He has collaborated with a cross section of leaders, including Roger Waters, Simon Shaheen, Shankar Mahadevan, Aynur Dogan, G.E. Smith, David Broza and Amal Murkus, for whom he serves as musical director. He has appeared at WOMEX international music expo, Smithsonian Museum, Savannah Music Festival, The Jazz Gallery, Lincoln Center and Historic Greenwood; Boston Symphony Hall and Berklee Performance Center; and Teatro Mediterraneo in Italy. Zreik received his BA in Music from Berklee College of Music — where he received a full presidential scholarship — completing a double major in Performance and Jazz Composition. Recently, Zreik was chosen as the sole musician for inclusion on the Arab America Foundation’s 30 Under 30 list.