Firas Zreik

Composer & Kanunist Firas Zreik has performed and recorded across the world as a leader and highly sought collaborator. The Palestine-born New Yorker has transformed global perception of the Kanun. His treatment of the instrument preserves its identity as a vital part of the Maqam tradition, and stretches its potential as a cultural chameleon enhancing a range of fresh, evolving sounds. He views the Maqam’s improvisation-driven legacy as a vessel for unbound creative expression across musical styles. Zreik has recently received Grammy recognition for his songwriting collaboration that he did with Puerto Rican artist Residente on the song “Bajo los Escombros” which was part of his Grammy-winning album (best Musica Urbana Album 2024). Over the years, he has collaborated with a cross section of leaders, including Roger Waters, Residente, G.E. Smith, Simon Shaheen, Amir ElSaffar, Fabrizio Cassol, Marwan Khoury, Abeer Nehmeh, Walid Toufic, Elias Karam, Shreya Goshal, Shankar Mahadevan, Aynur Dogan and his internationally-renowned mother and frequent artistic partner Amal Murkus, for whom he serves as musical director. As a director, he directed and conducted the National Arab Orchestra Takht Ensemble, as well as the New York Arab Orchestra. Zreik has so far released and self produced two albums (Solo 2021, Salute 2023), and is currently looking to release his third album (Tarabesque) in 2026.