On April 20, 2020, our lead percussion teacher, Michel Merhej, passed away from Covid-19. Mr. Merhej was a founding faculty member of the Arabic Music Retreat, and taught at every Retreat since 1997. He was a beloved member of our Read More …

Message from Simon ShaheenMay 14, 2020 Dear Arabic Music Retreat Community,                                             It is with the greatest regret that the directors, faculty, and friends of the Arabic Music Retreat have come to the unavoidable decision that we must unfortunately cancel the Read More …

Film director Tarik Benbrahim created a film featuring Simon Shaheen, his work and life in the United States. It features the Arabic Music Retreat, footage filmed at the 2018 Retreat at Mount Holyoke College. Here is a link to the Read More …

Simon Shaheen: A Musical Journey, a film by Tarik Benbrahim, will premiere at the 2019 Woodstock Film Festival on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the Woodstock Playhouse. Link to the film festival for tickets. 6pm is a pre-screening reception, and Read More …

Thank you to the Manja family of Pennsylvania for organizing a special fundraiser for the Arabic Music Retreat through their Levant Music Project. They held a concert and reception at the State Theater Center for the Arts in Easton, Pennsylvania Read More …