DIWAN AL-HAN

CLASSICAL ARABIC MUSIC FROM EGYPT, SYRIA, AND ANDALUSIA 

Diwan al-Han is a Chicago-based music ensemble that performs classical Arabic music and poetry from Andalusia, Egypt, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East and North Africa. The musicians in the group come from various backgrounds including Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt, and are steeped in the traditional music from these regions having performed with renowned international artists including Sabah Fakhri, Tony Hanna, Kazem al-Saher, Elias Karam, and more. Diwan is the Arabic word for collection of poems, and al-Han, which means local gathering place, is also a synonym for musical compositions. Diwan al-Han’s mission is to preserve the rich heritage of Arabic literature and music, but also to return the classical art form back to the mainstream of Middle Eastern society, as well as elevate it through an innovative perspective for appreciation beyond its geographic origins. Diwan al-Han is: Hani Dahshan (Voice and Qanoun), Ronnie Malley (Oud), Billal Malley (Percussion), Khalil Malley (Percussion), and Naeif Rafeh (Nay).

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