Souhail Kaspar
Grammy-nominated Souhail Kaspar, Master Percussionist, is known world wide for his brilliant technique, exciting performances and teaching skills. A true virtuoso, his ability to improvise and embellish the rhythmic patterns of Arabic music, as well as his knowledge of ethnic musical history make him one of the most highly acclaimed performers and instructors of our day.
Born in Lebanon and trained at Nadi al-Fonun al-Arabia (Conservatory of Traditional Arabic Music) in Aleppo, Syria, he excelled in both classical and ethnic rhythmic patterns and techniques; there he received his Degree in Classical Arabic Performance.
Mr. Kaspar has worked with legendary Egyptian composers Farid al-Atrash, Sayyad Makowi and Hanni Mehanna. He has traveled extensively during his career and has performed with artists John Bilezikjian, Kenny Burrell, Omar Faruk, Shujaat Khan, Kronos Quartet, Cheb Mami, Dr. Scott Marcus, Roberto Miranda, Tito Puente, The Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, Kathem al-Saher, Simon Shaheen, Sting, Strunz & Farah, Wadi al-Safi and many others. He has also performed for dignitaries such as Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and the Dalai Lama.
Souhail, recipient of the Durfee Music Fellowship, has worked with renowned UCLA Ethnomusicologist Dr. Ali Jihad Racy at a wide variety of cultural events. Together they have performed in major concert halls and facilitated lectures, master classes and workshops throughout the United States.
Mr. Kaspar's impressive body of recorded work includes soundtrack credits for the movies The Prince of Egypt, Sinbad and Scooby Doo in Egypt and for the documentaries The Region of the Nile, Darfur Now and The Great Bazaars. He has been featured on many CDs including guest percussion on 'Caravan' with the cutting edge Kronos Quartet, 'When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq' for the Smithsonian Institute (nominated for the 2008 Grammy Traditional World Music Category), 'The Congo Square Project' to provide relief funds for New Orleans musicians, 'Khaliji' and 'Magic.'
Recordings for educational purposes include his CD 'Awzan: Arabic Rhythmic Modes' and his DVD 'Foundations of Arabic Rhythm with Souhail Kaspar: Master Class at Home for Egyptian Tablah & Riqq.' He has recently completed filming two new instructional DVD’s 'Intermediate & Advanced Techniques & Rhythms with Souhail Kaspar: Master Class at Home for Egyptian Tablah Part II' and 'Egyptian Rhythm & Movement for Raqs al-Sharqi with Souhail Kaspar: Master Class at Home for Dancers & Drummers. '
Souhail’s signature Egyptian drum line was released in 2007, with new models being released annually. Also in production are a line of signature riqqs and frame drums.
Currently, Souhail Kaspar lives in Los Angeles, CA, USA. He performs/records internationally, teaches percussion and dance theory as well as coaches professional musicians and dancers in the traditions of Arabic performance.
For more information about booking and events, please visit him at www.neareastmusic.com .
Born in Lebanon and trained at Nadi al-Fonun al-Arabia (Conservatory of Traditional Arabic Music) in Aleppo, Syria, he excelled in both classical and ethnic rhythmic patterns and techniques; there he received his Degree in Classical Arabic Performance.
Mr. Kaspar has worked with legendary Egyptian composers Farid al-Atrash, Sayyad Makowi and Hanni Mehanna. He has traveled extensively during his career and has performed with artists John Bilezikjian, Kenny Burrell, Omar Faruk, Shujaat Khan, Kronos Quartet, Cheb Mami, Dr. Scott Marcus, Roberto Miranda, Tito Puente, The Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, Kathem al-Saher, Simon Shaheen, Sting, Strunz & Farah, Wadi al-Safi and many others. He has also performed for dignitaries such as Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and the Dalai Lama.
Souhail, recipient of the Durfee Music Fellowship, has worked with renowned UCLA Ethnomusicologist Dr. Ali Jihad Racy at a wide variety of cultural events. Together they have performed in major concert halls and facilitated lectures, master classes and workshops throughout the United States.
Mr. Kaspar's impressive body of recorded work includes soundtrack credits for the movies The Prince of Egypt, Sinbad and Scooby Doo in Egypt and for the documentaries The Region of the Nile, Darfur Now and The Great Bazaars. He has been featured on many CDs including guest percussion on 'Caravan' with the cutting edge Kronos Quartet, 'When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq' for the Smithsonian Institute (nominated for the 2008 Grammy Traditional World Music Category), 'The Congo Square Project' to provide relief funds for New Orleans musicians, 'Khaliji' and 'Magic.'
Recordings for educational purposes include his CD 'Awzan: Arabic Rhythmic Modes' and his DVD 'Foundations of Arabic Rhythm with Souhail Kaspar: Master Class at Home for Egyptian Tablah & Riqq.' He has recently completed filming two new instructional DVD’s 'Intermediate & Advanced Techniques & Rhythms with Souhail Kaspar: Master Class at Home for Egyptian Tablah Part II' and 'Egyptian Rhythm & Movement for Raqs al-Sharqi with Souhail Kaspar: Master Class at Home for Dancers & Drummers. '
Souhail’s signature Egyptian drum line was released in 2007, with new models being released annually. Also in production are a line of signature riqqs and frame drums.
Currently, Souhail Kaspar lives in Los Angeles, CA, USA. He performs/records internationally, teaches percussion and dance theory as well as coaches professional musicians and dancers in the traditions of Arabic performance.
For more information about booking and events, please visit him at www.neareastmusic.com .
Rachid Halihal
As a world-class musician, Rachid Halihal brings to the community the true character and spirit of musical styles from the classical Egyptian repertoire, from the Fertile Crescent, from diverse regions of Morocco and North Africa, and also the mesmerizing music of the Arabian Gulf. As a child growing up in Fez, Morocco, Rachid sang and played the ney, studying the famous singers of the time. At age fourteen he entered "Dar Aadyil," the Conservatory of Music in Fez. Initially he studied Western classical and Andalusian music on piano and violin, and then expanded to include a variety of other instruments in order to better express his native music. In addition to his voice, which is best featured in the Andalusian style, his strongest instruments are the oud (similar to a lute without frets) and the violin, which he plays in both the classical manner and upright resting on the knee for Moroccan folkloric music.
In summer 2004 Rachid toured the USA with The Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble, playing Moroccan Andalusian music with Abdelfattah Bennis, including Genesis at the Crossroads festival in Chicago. He has been presented at Columbia University in concert with visiting Israeli singer Michel Cohen, with Moroccan singer Pinhas in New York and Miami, as well as other ethnic concerts and events throughout New York City. Rachid has performed with his band at Denver's Global Groove World Music Festival, with Nawang Kechong in Aspen, and has toured the USA and Canada with Rachid Taha, an Algerian/French Rai-rock band. Recently he has performed throughout the country with Souhail Kaspar and has been teaching on the faculty at Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp.
"The music which Rachid Halihal presents is soulful and poetic as well as very danceable to the point that not an empty spot can be found on the dance floor wherever he plays."
In summer 2004 Rachid toured the USA with The Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble, playing Moroccan Andalusian music with Abdelfattah Bennis, including Genesis at the Crossroads festival in Chicago. He has been presented at Columbia University in concert with visiting Israeli singer Michel Cohen, with Moroccan singer Pinhas in New York and Miami, as well as other ethnic concerts and events throughout New York City. Rachid has performed with his band at Denver's Global Groove World Music Festival, with Nawang Kechong in Aspen, and has toured the USA and Canada with Rachid Taha, an Algerian/French Rai-rock band. Recently he has performed throughout the country with Souhail Kaspar and has been teaching on the faculty at Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp.
"The music which Rachid Halihal presents is soulful and poetic as well as very danceable to the point that not an empty spot can be found on the dance floor wherever he plays."
Khadijah
Khadijah is a diverse world class performer/instructor, who has set the stage for herself as an upcoming star of Middle-Eastern dance and beyond. She has become a highly sought after performer, instructor and choreographer due to her unique energetic style. Khadijah performs and holds workshops all over the USA. She currently resides in Denver, CO.
Khadijah grew up in Jeddah/Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the Arabic Gulf. She is very musically inclined and has studied many forms of dance at a young age. Her studies of Middle Eastern Dance span several years and to this day she continues to travel and educate herself through some of the world's most renowned dancers and musicians.
Khadijah has had the grand opportunity to perform for superstars like Gwen Stefani , Saad el Soghayer, Cirque du Soleil, Rachid Halihal, Souhail Kaspar, Alex Grey, Omar Sherif , The Denver Broncos and more .Coming from a strong background in gymnastics and other forms of dance, her love for movement, music and history has prompted her to explore other dance forms such as hip-hop, African, Persian, Classical Indian, Brazilian Samba, Salsa, merengue,Khaleeji, Tahitian and Flamenco to combine an amazing dance style of world fusion in addition to Middle-Eastern Dance. Khadijah's ability to combine unbelievable strength, flexibility, isolation and control with fluidity continues to amaze fans and audiences.
Khadijah started her extensive training in Middle-Eastern dance many years ago around the world and in various places. Khadijah has been seeking knowledge from many different instructors from many different backgrounds in the Middle-Eastern dance world. Some of those many instructors include: Raqia Hassan of Egypt, Randa Kamel of Egypt, Ansuya of Miami, Morocco of New York, Eva Cernik of Denver, Colorado, Suhailia Salimpour of California, Sadie and Kaya of Denver, Colorado, Siovanna El-Nashir of Denver, Colorado, Sonia of Belly Dance Superstars (California) and Diana of Egypt , Tasha Banat of Lebanon, Momo Koudous of Egypt and the list goes on and on! Khadijah is continuously studying and seeking knowledge on a regular basis with the worlds most renowned dancers and musicians of Middle-Eastern Dance and Music!
Khadijah grew up in Jeddah/Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the Arabic Gulf. She is very musically inclined and has studied many forms of dance at a young age. Her studies of Middle Eastern Dance span several years and to this day she continues to travel and educate herself through some of the world's most renowned dancers and musicians.
Khadijah has had the grand opportunity to perform for superstars like Gwen Stefani , Saad el Soghayer, Cirque du Soleil, Rachid Halihal, Souhail Kaspar, Alex Grey, Omar Sherif , The Denver Broncos and more .Coming from a strong background in gymnastics and other forms of dance, her love for movement, music and history has prompted her to explore other dance forms such as hip-hop, African, Persian, Classical Indian, Brazilian Samba, Salsa, merengue,Khaleeji, Tahitian and Flamenco to combine an amazing dance style of world fusion in addition to Middle-Eastern Dance. Khadijah's ability to combine unbelievable strength, flexibility, isolation and control with fluidity continues to amaze fans and audiences.
Khadijah started her extensive training in Middle-Eastern dance many years ago around the world and in various places. Khadijah has been seeking knowledge from many different instructors from many different backgrounds in the Middle-Eastern dance world. Some of those many instructors include: Raqia Hassan of Egypt, Randa Kamel of Egypt, Ansuya of Miami, Morocco of New York, Eva Cernik of Denver, Colorado, Suhailia Salimpour of California, Sadie and Kaya of Denver, Colorado, Siovanna El-Nashir of Denver, Colorado, Sonia of Belly Dance Superstars (California) and Diana of Egypt , Tasha Banat of Lebanon, Momo Koudous of Egypt and the list goes on and on! Khadijah is continuously studying and seeking knowledge on a regular basis with the worlds most renowned dancers and musicians of Middle-Eastern Dance and Music!
Naia
Naia means Nay (reed flute) in classical Arabic. Just like the beautiful sound of the nay that captures every ones heart, Naia has been capturing audiences with her graceful and exciting dance styles.
Her Middle Eastern dance journey began in 1997 as a teenager in Japan, her native country. She soon moved to the United States and pursued her training with such noted instructors as Cassandra of Minneapolis and Willow Chang of Honolulu. Additionally, she has added to her expertise via workshops with renowned instructors such as Tito, Mahmoud Reda, Raqia Hassan, Aisha Ali, Jamila, Suhaila Salimpor, Eva Fleming, Sonia and Delilah. She received her dance instructor certification from Delilah’s VisionaryDanceSchool in Seattle, WA., USA
In 2004 she began her extensive studies of Middle Eastern rhythms and music with internationally acclaimed percussionist, instructor and dance coach, Souhail Kaspar, 2008 Grammy nominee. While on his 2009 Turkey tour, she received intensive training from him regarding the relationships between rhythms and dance as well as exposure to other Middle Eastern art forms. Naia currently assists Mr. Kaspar with his unique workshops, Egyptian Rhythm and Movement for Raqs al-Sharqi (often referred to as belly dance) and Drum Solos for Dancers.
Included amongst her many talents is her expertise in the dance form known as hula. Naia has received her training in Hawaii from the famous hula master, Kumu Blaine Kamalani Kia.
Her local and international performances include:
2002 Ecuador: Radio Luna Tango Event dance performance
2008 Honolulu, Hawaii: Shangri La and Ward’s Rafters dance performances
with Mr. Kaspar and Rachid Halihal, world class violinist
2009 Honolulu, Hawaii: Shangri-La and Arts at Mark’s Garage dance performances
with Mr. Kaspar and Afif Taian, world class oudist
2009 Mr. Kaspar’s Tokyo, Osaka, and KobeJapan tour as assistant dance teacher concert dance performer
From 2003 to present she has worked as an assistant dancer and interpreter for master Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia, a writer and translator for KUMU Magazine (a Japanese hula magazine), and dances and emcees for events in hotels, on cruise ships and other local and international venues.
She is currently based in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Her Middle Eastern dance journey began in 1997 as a teenager in Japan, her native country. She soon moved to the United States and pursued her training with such noted instructors as Cassandra of Minneapolis and Willow Chang of Honolulu. Additionally, she has added to her expertise via workshops with renowned instructors such as Tito, Mahmoud Reda, Raqia Hassan, Aisha Ali, Jamila, Suhaila Salimpor, Eva Fleming, Sonia and Delilah. She received her dance instructor certification from Delilah’s VisionaryDanceSchool in Seattle, WA., USA
In 2004 she began her extensive studies of Middle Eastern rhythms and music with internationally acclaimed percussionist, instructor and dance coach, Souhail Kaspar, 2008 Grammy nominee. While on his 2009 Turkey tour, she received intensive training from him regarding the relationships between rhythms and dance as well as exposure to other Middle Eastern art forms. Naia currently assists Mr. Kaspar with his unique workshops, Egyptian Rhythm and Movement for Raqs al-Sharqi (often referred to as belly dance) and Drum Solos for Dancers.
Included amongst her many talents is her expertise in the dance form known as hula. Naia has received her training in Hawaii from the famous hula master, Kumu Blaine Kamalani Kia.
Her local and international performances include:
2002 Ecuador: Radio Luna Tango Event dance performance
2008 Honolulu, Hawaii: Shangri La and Ward’s Rafters dance performances
with Mr. Kaspar and Rachid Halihal, world class violinist
2009 Honolulu, Hawaii: Shangri-La and Arts at Mark’s Garage dance performances
with Mr. Kaspar and Afif Taian, world class oudist
2009 Mr. Kaspar’s Tokyo, Osaka, and KobeJapan tour as assistant dance teacher concert dance performer
From 2003 to present she has worked as an assistant dancer and interpreter for master Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia, a writer and translator for KUMU Magazine (a Japanese hula magazine), and dances and emcees for events in hotels, on cruise ships and other local and international venues.
She is currently based in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
