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The National Arab Orchestra brought together Arab musical traditions and Western orchestral elements at Istanbul's Ataturk Cultural Center, performing alongside acclaimed Palestinian singer Nai Barghouti as part of the Türkiye Culture Route Festival.
Led by Music Director Michael Ibrahim, the orchestra accompanied Barghouti during the concert, which drew strong interest from audiences, including many listeners from across the Middle East.
The program included pieces such as "Yuma Mwel al Hawa" and "Lama Bada Yatathana," after the ensemble had previously performed at CSO Ada Ankara's Ziraat Bankasi Main Hall on Sept. 26 as part of the festival's Ankara program.
Speaking on stage, Ibrahim pointed to similarities between Turkish and Arab cultures, saying their close connections could be clearly seen through art.
He said the orchestra had felt genuine warmth from audiences during its time in Türkiye and described its visit as part of the ensemble's wider aim of bringing people together through music.
"Being here is a great privilege and honor. We have had wonderful experiences in Türkiye. We have really enjoyed our time, and you have made us feel like family here. We shared food and culture with you, and this is also part of the National Arab Orchestra's mission of building bridges through music," Ibrahim said.
Barghouti also expressed her happiness at performing in Istanbul and sharing the stage with the orchestra under Ibrahim's direction.
During the concert, Barghouti dedicated "Lama Bada Yatathana" to the Palestinian people, while members of the audience responded with chants of "Free Palestine."
The National Arab Orchestra is scheduled to return to the Ataturk Cultural Center's Turk Telekom Opera Hall tonight at 8:30 p.m. for another performance.
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