The Metro: Arab Orchestra founder says music fosters greater unity
National Arab Orchestra founder Michael Ibrahim joined the program to share his musical origins and why he believes music can bring communities together.
Michael Ibrahim is the Founder of and Music Director for the National Arab Orchestra
After a family trip to Syria at the tender age of ten, Michael Ibrahim’s parents handed him an oud. The lute or guitar-like instrument is prominent in Arab music, and it became a gateway that connected Ibrahim to his heritage.
Ibrahim insists that he, like any other kid, fell in love with playing music that reminds him of family and of home. Unlike many other kids, he grew older and constructed an entire orchestra to honor it. In 2009, he founded The National Arab Orchestra, and in the years since, the group has performed across the country and established itself as a national leader in Arab music.
Locally, the orchestra partners with public schools to teach students about Arab culture and it performs regularly at the Detroit Music Hall. Michael Ibrahim joined the program to share his musical origins, how the orchestra came to be, and why he believes music can bring communities together.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.
Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
