ASTAZA welcomes students and community members to join our vibrant community and enjoy great music and cross-cultural experiences. Funded by the Department of Music, the Institute for the Liberal Arts, and the Office of the Provost, Astaza is committed to teaching Middle Eastern music and choral practices. Directed by Prof. Nizar Fares and Prof. Ann Lucas as academic director, our repertoire covers music traditions from over 30 countries. Astaza is delighted to share its music with candidates joining from all Greater Boston Area, performing different vocal and instrumental forms, from popular to folk and to classical and neo-classical styles.

Astaza Ensemble performs various Middle Eastern music, encompassing classical, folk, and regional styles. Music includes classical and Neoclassical vocal music, including Dawr, Monologue, Taqtuqa, Samaii, Longa, Muwashah, and Mawwal, instrumental music such as Oud, qanun, nay, violin, cello, and percussion (tabla, darbuka, riq), and folk music from specific regions like Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, and Iran, etc.

Astaza also celebrates the diversity of Middle Eastern music by featuring non-Arabic works. Our repertoire includes Turkish classical music (Klasik Türk Müziği), Turkish folk music, Persian classical music (Radif), and Persian folk music. This inclusion allows us to offer a truly comprehensive musical experience.