Concerts & Events

Huzam features new compositions in traditional Arab music styles. Egyptian percussionist and composer Karim Nagi leads this skilled ensemble of master Chicago musicians hailing from Egypt, Syria, and Palestine. Using authentic acoustic instruments, the group will feature Nagi's original compositions and songs, along with some classic Arab repertoire. In this concert, listeners can experience Arab tradition's connection to the intimate ensemble aesthetic of chamber music, the microtonal and hetero-phonic timelessness of early music, and the extemporaneous adventurism of jazz.

Karim Nagi is an Egyptian performer and composer now based in Chicago. He has devoted 3+ decades to becoming an authority on Arab percussion instruments and performance. The drumming has become the engine that fuels a range of activities including folkloric dance, teaching, culture-bearing, and public speaking. Nagi has recorded 14 albums, authored multiple instructional videos, toured on 5 continents, is an accredited teaching artist, and has a TEDx Talk. His newest endeavor HUZAM is an ensemble of the most dedicated native Arab melodic musicians in Chicago, and features his original compositions, along with classic repertoire. Karim has dedicated his life to advocating for Arab culture, and proliferating its arts to new audiences.

http://www.karimnagi.com