DeKALB | NIU’s School of Music showcased its brand-new, multicultural ensemble last night.

The Middle Eastern Music Ensemble debuted at 8 p.m. in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall of the Music Building.

The group was formed this fall with the help of two Syrian-born graduate students, Omar Al Muisfi, who lead the percussion section and Aboud Agha, who lead the melody section. Jui-Ching Wang, assistant professor of music, also directed the ensemble.

Opening with a percussion ensemble featuring an eclectic group of Middle Eastern hand drums, eight students held exotic beats while Muisfi’s hands blurred in percussion solos.

As the arrangement progressed, students took turns breaking from their section to improvise.

The night’s following arrangements were a mix of traditional and classical songs from Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt.

Consisting of 22 members of students and faculty, the ensemble featured both Western and traditional Middle Eastern instruments.

Agha broke up the songs with a solo on an oud, a pear-shaped string instrument resembling a lute.

Yu-Kuan Wang’s vocal performance was featured with Jui-Ching Wang on piano.

In its first semester, the Middle Eastern Music Ensemble is a one credit elective course for undergraduate and graduate students.

Students who are interested in joining are encouraged to contact Jui-Ching Wang at [email protected].