Led by acclaimed vocalist / arranger Christiane Karam, the ZilZALA Middle Eastern Ensemble is a Boston-based World Music band that draws from several musical cultures to re-interpret classical, traditional and folk Arabic Music. The outcome is a powerful and uplifting blend of Eastern and Western influences that range from Lebanese, Egyptian, Turkish, Greek and North African grooves and melodies, to contemporary Jazz harmonies, that creates a truly unique musical experience. The ZilZALA Ensemble has been playing to packed houses in Boston and New York, bringing together music lovers from the Middle East with a western audience that is eager to learn about and enjoy the exotic middle eastern rhythms and melodies. ZilZALA was also nominated Best World Music Act in Boston in the 2006 and 2007 Phoenix Best Music Poll. In addition to leading the ZilZALA ensemble, Christiane writes and performs in various musical settings, and this year had the privilege to perform at Carnegie Hall with Bobby McFerrin and 19 other vocalists from around the world. Christiane is also an award-winning songwriter and is on the faculty of Berklee College of Music as a voice, ensemble and songwriting teacher.

www.zilzala.com