Arabic music, from Moroccan gnawa to Egyptian classical music, from Algerian rai to Lebanese zajal singing,, reflects the diversity of cultural expression across the twenty-two countries that make up the Arab world. The different geographic, historical, linguistic and cultural influences of each country have resulted in one of the world's great musical traditions. In spite of regional differences, however, there are common structural and aesthetic elements that make each of these traditions recognizable as Arabic. A highly melodic music built around semi- and micro-tonal scales called maqamat, with distinctive variations in rhythmic structure and a high value placed on vocal and instrumental improvisation, Arabic music is still relatively unknown and unfamiliar to Western audiences. Presented with the Arab Cultural Center of San Francisco. (Narrated Program.)

Georges Lammam has performed since the age of 15. Of Palestinian descent, he is well-known in the Middle East and the United States as a solo violinist exemplifying the Arab style of instrumental improvisation and lyricism. Mr. Lammam is well-versed in the beautiful repertory of classical and popular Arabic music and teaches violin and Arabic singing at the annual Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp, and has also taught at the Arabic music ensemble and vocal classes at the UC Berkeley, Humboldt State University, Santa Fe College and Middlebury College.

Special guest, Naser Musa is recognized as an oud (Arabic lute) virtuoso and a talented singer and composer, as well as specialist in the khaleejy music of the Arabian Gulf region. Born in Jordan and now based in Los Angeles, he has composed, arranged, and recorded numerous projects in the Middle East and in the United States. He was recently featured as a soloist with the Cairo Orchestra during its 2005 U.S. tour with Grammy award winners Youssou N’Dour, of Senegal and Egyptian producer and arranger Fathy Salama. He has been on the faculty at the Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp since 1999 and at the Heartland Seminar of Arabic Music in Racine, Milwaukee since 2004.