Family and friends gathered at The Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Chicago to celebrate a new baby. It was a beautiful February afternoon, with food and harp music to set the scene.
The family is of Syrian ancestry, so requested that I play several Arabic songs. It’s one of my specialties! I’ve spent a large amount of time in the Middle East, learning the classic and contemporary popular songs of the region, and arranging them for the harp.
The mother requested “3 Daqat” by the Egyptian singer Abu to both begin and end the music for the afternoon. Alongside Middle Eastern harp music, they wanted a good variety of American pop music. So I would alternate between the two – a little Fairuz, a little Taylor Swift! Some of the songs I played included “All of Me,” “El Bint El Shalabiya,” “A Thousand Years,” “Shayif el-bahr,” and “Young and Beautiful.” Quite the eclectic mix, and completely customized by the parents!
A professional harpist playing throughout the Chicago area, I would love to bring the harp to your celebration! Whether you are looking for classical or contemporary music, my repertoire includes both – plus songs from around the world to celebrate your heritage. Visit my website – Chicago Arabic Harp Musician – to request a quote!
