I'm a violinist and composer reimagining Middle Eastern & World Instrumental Music. I also run a creative agency, MIRAGE MEDIA, and am a lawyer with an interest in music, entertainment, copyright, and IP. Outside that realm I write about meaning, consciousness, creativity, individuality, and philosophy - sometimes through these lenses. Subscribe to my newsletter to join me along my journey in making a creative and impactful difference.
The Instrument That Built an Empire
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Before the guitar. Before the lute. There was the oud. Pear-shaped. Eleven strings. A voice that stretches back 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. This is the instrument that shaped Arabic classical music. The instrument that Fairouz grew up hearing. The instrument that carried Um Kulthum’s voice into legend. On January 30, our oud takes centre stage, not as a museum piece, but as a living, breathing force weaving through 30 musicians. When the oud begins, the room falls silent. When it builds, the orchestra follows. When it soars, you’ll forget where you are. 🗓️ WHEN: 30 January 2026 📍 WHERE: Sutherland Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, Sydney NSW 🕢 TIME: 7:30 PM Get your tickets: https://thepavilionarts.au/event/jad-and-rabih/ This is the sound of history, alive. With passion, Jad |
Jad Al Masri
I'm a violinist and composer reimagining Middle Eastern & World Instrumental Music. I also run a creative agency, MIRAGE MEDIA, and am a lawyer with an interest in music, entertainment, copyright, and IP. Outside that realm I write about meaning, consciousness, creativity, individuality, and philosophy - sometimes through these lenses. Subscribe to my newsletter to join me along my journey in making a creative and impactful difference.
Hey Reader, If you were there, you heard them. The instruments that made January 30 unforgettable. The Indian Tabla Fingers striking goatskin stretched over rosewood. The heartbeat beneath The Disaster 6. Ancient Indian percussion weaving through Arabic strings. The Arabic Oud Eleven strings. 5,000 years of history. The instrument that carried Um Kulthum's voice into legend. The Qanun 78 strings. A shimmering cascade that sounds like sunlight catching water. The Arabic Strings Violin. Viola....
Hey Reader, The show ended. But the conversations didn't. Here's what the people said: "WOW, just WOW is all I can say" "Thank you for the most amazing musical performance I have ever seen” “I have no words to describe how much I loved it… "This made my month… this was phenomenal” “I can’t wait for the next show" "performed at a standard too high to not be internationally recognised… absolutely wonderful” “What an amazing night… you guys killed it” “Absolutely loved it" It was awesome. And...
Hey Reader, Friday night was truly spectacular. A dream come true. A full house. A room full of passion. Precision. And power. We aimed to make this show our most ambitious yet. And judging by what our audience said, I think we did a pretty good job: “WOW, just WOW is all I can say." "Thank you for the most amazing musical performance I have ever seen.” “I have no words to describe how much I loved it." "This made my month… this was phenomenal.” “Performed at a standard too high to not be...