Issam Rafea: Ancient Sound

Curator Kinan Azmeh presents globally-acclaimed oud master, composer, and conductor Issam Rafea, who performs a unique concert that reverberates with his Middle Eastern roots and singular life story.

Winner of the 2010 “Best Composer Award” in Dubai International Film Festival (Muhr Arab) in the film “Matar Ayloul,” “September Rain,” Rafea is the Chair of the Arabic Music Department at High Institute of Music in Damascus and the principal conductor of the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music from 2003- 2013. In Syria, Rafea has been an active composer and arranger for TV and Theater since the 90s.

In March of 2013 Rafea was invited to the United States to direct the Middle Eastern Music Ensemble, and give a series of presentations and performances at Northern Illinois University School of Music. Most recently, he was the visiting Teacher/Artist in the Carleton College Department of Music.