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 …
Michel Merhej, Rest in Peace
Documentary on Simon Shaheen
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 Film Premieres at 2019 Woodstock Film Festival
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 …
Levant Music Project Fundraiser Success
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 …
2019 Arabic Music Retreat Sold Out
Thanks to a strong response from participants around the world, the 23rd annual Arabic Music Retreat is full and sold out. We are grateful for the enthusiasm of our global music community and look forward to everyone convening at Mount Read More …