In this afikra podcast episode, we chat with self-taught Jazz pianist and award-winning composer about high-Art music and tradition, keeping a balance between Jazz piano and Arabic music, and finding inspiration in Khaleeji desert and Afro-Tarab music. We discuss the limitations of the piano and Western music systems, playing Sharqi music instruments, music ... Show More
Sep 28
Lebanon's Electricity Crisis is Not New - It Started in 1952! | Prof. Ziad Abu-Rish
The history of electricity in Lebanon serves as a vibrant arena for struggles over political economy, foreign corporate ownership, and the very definition of national sovereignty. Associate Professor Ziad Abu-Rish unpacks this evolution, tracking public utilities from early regio ... Show More
57m 7s
Apr 2023
Tunisian Classics Reimagined Through Jazz | Omar El Ouaer
Omar El Ouaer plays three of his songs: Alif Ya Soltani, Aziza, and Mana3ref Win. He tells us about Tunisian music and how he discovered Jazz.Omar el Ouaer, a Tunisian jazz musician. He started his music education at the age of 11, studying Arabic music at the conservatory, and l ... Show More
1 h
Aug 2022
Playing the Qanun | Firas Zreik
In this Quartertones event, we listened to Firas Zreik as he performed three musical pieces: Taksim, Zawraq & Refractions.Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna, afikra Edited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/About Quartertones:Quarte ... Show More
29m 34s
Aug 2022
Violin & Maqam | Layth Sidiq
In this Quartertones event, we listened to Layth Sidiq as he performed three musical pieces, of which two are composed by him and talked to him about these pieces.Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna, afikra Edited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.c ... Show More
30m 1s
Aug 2022
Lynn Adib | Exploring Arabic Music and Improvisation Through Jazz
Lynn Adib performed three musical pieces: Youmma, Taht El Ward & Autruche followed by a discussion.Born and raised in Damascus, Syria. Lynn Adib is a singer, composer who has been exploring Arabic music and improvisation through Jazz music that she discovered around the age if 19 ... Show More
57m 49s
Aug 2022
Hip-hop in Lebanon, Syria & Palestine | Chyno
In this Quartertones event, we listened to Chyno as he performed three musical pieces: 2020 Vision, Kayfouni & Fresh Money.Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna, afikra Edited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/About Quartertones:Quart ... Show More
30m 48s
Oct 2022
The Clarinet in Arabic Music | Kinan Azmeh
Kinan performed three musical pieces and spoke about his work as a composer.Originally from Damascus, Syria Kinan Azmeh is a soloist, composer, and improvisor. He has performed in places such as the Opera Bastille, Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, Damascus Opera House, and more. Kinan’ ... Show More
1 h
Jan 2025
Layth Sidiq at Habibi Festival 2024 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub
<p>In this episode of Quartertones, we interview award-winning violinist, composer, and educator Layth Sidiq at Habibi Festival in NYC. He shares his journey in Arabic music, and discusses his upbringing in a musical family, the evolution of his career, and his role as the artist ... Show More
1h 17m
Aug 2022
Composing on Oud | Clarissa Bitar
In this Quartertones event, we listened to Clarissa Bitar as she performed three musical pieces; taqasim, bayari & al-mizan.Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna, afikra Edited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/aAbout Quartertones:Qua ... Show More
26m 55s