Photo of Brian Prunka by Aidan Grant
This evening features two of New York’s most distinctive and compelling composers of modern music rooted in the Arabic maqam tradition: oud (lute) player Brian Prunka, whose music has been described as “intricate, anthemic” and “spellbinding” (NY Music Daily) and the award-winning Egyptian violinist Ayman Asfour. They will present exciting new music for traditional Arabic takht (chamber ensemble) that maintains deep roots in Arabic melodic forms and rhythms while authentically exploring their diverse experiences. In this program, they will be joined by important figures in Arabic music: Firas Zreik (qanun - zither), Gideon Forbes (nay - flute, clarinet), John Murchison (bass), and Alber Baseel (percussion).
Brian Prunka, who began his career as a jazz guitarist in New Orleans, has been deeply involved with New York’s Arabic music scene for over 20 years, performing with Simon Shaheen, Takht al-Nagham, Zikrayat, the NY Arabic Orchestra, the Bil Afrah Project, and his many original music projects. His music for this concert features a range of compositions from his forthcoming album that bring his captivating gift for melody together with new and traditional forms and rhythms, all within the traditional structure of Arabic maqam. Ayman Asfour, a violinist, composer, and improviser currently based in New York, performs a diverse musical repertoire ranging from Egyptian folk to free improvisation. His music for this concert is an extension of his project Sardi Fardi (Odd Narrative), which blends storytelling melodies and Arabic maqam with unusual rhythmic structures, challenging both the composer and the musicians to navigate new expressive possibilities within a familiar tradition.
Made possible in part with a grant from the Howard Gilman Foundation.
Community Sponsor: Brooklyn Maqam Tickets: $35 advance*; $40 at door; $30 seniors & students with ID (advance* and at door) *+$2.50 processing fee per advance ticket |
Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette in association with Brooklyn Maqam present
Friday, March 13, 2026 at 8:00pm Brian Prunka & Ayman Asfour Explorations in Arabic Maqam 
509 Atlantic Avenue at 3rd Avenue
Downtown Brooklyn | tel. 917-267-0363 |
