Faraj Abyad is a contemporary Syrian composer based in New York City. His musical approach is to redefine classical Arabic music.
Watch behind the live concert of his new album “The Sun of My Existence” at the the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Faraj Abyad grew up in the United States, but always held his Arabic language and heritage dearly.
He composes music to classical Arabic poetry of the past and present. Each time featuring a specific poet with his/her own unique style. Abyad’s songs keep true to the principles of the traditional Arabic musical system— “Tarab.” Tarab loosely translates to “ecstasy”, which is the spiritual high attained by the listener when Arabic music is played with strong emotions and beauty.
يَبتَليني بالصُّدودِ
إِنْ رأى عَيْشي صَفا
وهو لي شَمسُ وجودي
وهوَ للدّاءِ شِفا
She burdens me with distance,
Whenever she sees my life at peace.
She is the sun of my existence,
And the remedy for all my pain.
H.E. Mana Bin Saeed Al Otaiba
New Album
The Sun of My Existence
شمسُ وجودي
Released in October 2025
A collection of original compositions commissioned by Abu Dhabi Festival and MetLiveArts. The music is rooted in both Pan-Arab and Western traditions, with classical Arabic poetry at its center—drawing on texts by both contemporary and historic poets. Alongside these new works, the program includes cherished Arabic classics, among them folkloric Syrian songs and Muwashahat, reimagined through Afro-Cuban jazz and Western classical influences.
Athar Orchestra New York
Athar Orchestra New York—named by H.E. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo and led by Faraj Abyad—is dedicated to uniting the rich and diverse musical cultures of New York City through Arabic poetry and Maqam. Presenting bi-monthly concerts in the city’s most iconic venues, the orchestra offers audiences a singular blend of tradition and innovation.
Watch the behind the scenes of the album “The Sun of My Existence.”
Compositions by Faraj Abyad, Produced by Athar Orchestra New York, Commissioned by Abu Dhabi Festival.