​Astoria Couple Brings Syrian Concert To Carnegie Hall

ASTORIA, QUEENS — A couple from Astoria is bringing together Arab-American performers for a concert celebrating Syrian music at Carnegie Hall this week.

Samer Ali and Marissa Arcioli Ali are organizing "Love and Loss: Traditional Music of Syria," scheduled for Friday, May 19, at Carnegie Hall, which will feature traditional takht chamber music by Syrian composers.

“The theme of love and loss is common throughout the classical Syrian repertoire and remains relevant to their reality today,” Samer Ali said. “This performance will promote the musical heritage through both older, lesser-known works and contemporary pieces."

The couple runs The Syrian Music Preservation Initiative, a nonprofit that promotes ethnic and regional musical traditions of Syria. The group organizes musical and dance performances, classes, workshops, and seminars.

Performers include Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist John Murchison, New York-based Iraqi vocalist Zahra AlZubaid, and percussionist Nezih Antakli.

New Yorkers can purchase tickets here.