The SHARQ Arabic Music Ensemble is composed of Arab Americans. The group specializes in traditional Arabic music, as it was performed for hundreds of years in the royal courts, art houses and concert halls of past Arabic kingdoms. SHARQ maintains this lost tradition and renews it with the vitality of modern musical acumen, perspective and expertise.

SHARQ was founded in 1998 by Egyptian percussionist Karim Nagi. In 2002 the ensemble added Syrian oudist and musical arranger Kareem Roustom. The ensemble has performed all over the USA in concert halls and festivals. The SHARQ Arabic Music Ensemble is dedicated to preserving and presenting traditional and classical Arabic vocal and instrumental music. Their repertoire is one that is rarely played by even the most dedicated professionals in the Arab world. SHARQ chooses vocal and instrumental pieces that illustrate the rich and buoyant possibilities of the genre, without fixating on the popular or commercial versions. SHARQ seeks to share this heritage through concerts and verbal presentations.

Karim Nagi / riqq
Kareem Roustom / oud
Aboud Agha / vocals
Hanna Khoury / violin
Jamal Sinno / qanun
Boujemaa Razgui / nay