Brooklyn Arts Council

Michel Merhej Baklouk. Photo: by Rachel Ash

Baklouk, a Lebanese riqq player and teacher in the Lebanese Conservatory, has worked with numerous pioneers of Arab music over the course of his long and successful career. Among the notable musicians with whom he has collaborated are the legendary vocalist Fairuz and the Rahbani Brothers, whose orchestra he accompanied for half a century. He also worked with such distinguished singers as Wadih Elsafi, Sabah, Nour el Hoda, Halim al-Rumi, Tawfiq al-Basha, Zaki Nasif, Filimon Wahbi, Mohammad Abd al-Wahhab, Farid al-Atrash, Abdel Halim Hafez, and Warda Aljazaeria. He partnered with the most well-known dancers of the time, including Nadia Jamal, Tahiyya Karyoka, Samia Jamal, and Naima Akef. In addition to his work with these renowned artists, Baklouk has contributed greatly to Middle Eastern music as one of the first modern musicians to transcribe nomadic Arab folk songs. After more than five decades as a professional musician, Michel is still active in the music world, teaching local and international students. Since moving to New York in 1989, he has been working with Palestinian composer/performer Simon Shaheen, and holds many festivals and workshops for Middle Eastern drums and percussion.

Related Categories

Folk / Traditional Arts, Music, Instrumentalist, Traditional / Culturally Specific