“Ziad Rahbani and his music were a big part of our childhood in the Levant, especially the songs he composed for [his mother] Fairouz,” says Al Botros. “As an immigrant in Canada, I often look for moments that take me back home – whether through music, art or memories.”

Connecting to home

Rahbani (1956–2025) was the son of Nouhad Wadie Haddad. Haddad is known as Fairouz (sometimes spelled as Fairuz), a renowned Lebanese singer whose voice resonated across the Arab-speaking world. Similarly, Rahbani’s compositions for his mother, as well as his broader body of work, left a profound mark on the Arab world and its diasporas.

“For Lebanese audiences, Ziad’s songs are tied to memories of society and politics,” explains Al Botros. “For many Arabs, his works are linked to the unforgettable songs of Fairouz.”

Al Botros is a Syrian-Canadian musician. He is also the music director for the Toronto Arab Orchestra. While Rahbani’s music in Lebanon or Syria might simply be entertainment on a regular night out, the director sees his songs as a way for immigrants to take “a trip back home.”

“For those of us who left our countries, it becomes something much deeper,” he shares. “As a musician, I feel a responsibility to create these experiences for immigrants so they can feel at home, even far away.”

The late composer was more than his music; he was also a playwright and political voice. Al Botros hopes the concert showcases Rahbani’s multiple roles, highlighting his identity “as thinker, political voice and theatre artist” in addition to being a composer.

“We also want to highlight his role in introducing jazz to the Arab world, blending it beautifully with Arabic music and opening new doors for generations to come,” the music director adds.

This musical homage to Rahbani is an opportunity for a broader audience to experience the creativity of the Lebanese composer – one that was highly influential for the musical worlds of the Levant and Arab regions.

A Jazz-Arab musical fusion

For the upcoming concert, two singers and seven other musicians will be on stage using instruments such as the guitar and bass. Music will also be created from instruments used in traditional Middle Eastern music, such as the ney and qanun. Audiences can also expect percussions from the tabla and riq.

“Some of the musicians are long-time friends, while others I met through previous concerts and collaborations,” Al Botros shares. “All of them are highly accomplished artists who are very familiar with this kind of music.”

The concert’s programming features pieces Rahbani composed for his mother and songs from his plays. It will also include works “with a jazz style” – which Al Botros sees as shaping the composer’s “unique sound.”

The music director adds that the challenge is to “preserve the spirit” of Rahbani’s music while “making it meaningful” for audiences who may not share the same cultural background. The Music Without Borders team has chosen to adapt Rahbani’s music for this more diverse Canadian audience.

“We are experimenting with new arrangements that highlight the fusion between Arabic instruments and jazz elements,” Al Botros shares. “This approach allows us to present Ziad Rahbani’s music in a fresh way, while keeping its essence alive.”

This delicate balance is important: Al Botros sees Rahbani’s compositions as particularly meaningful to Levantine and Arab communities. He recognizes these compositions as contributing to the “foundation of [their] musical identity.”

“The melodies of Ziad Rahbani have been with us through every stage of life,” the music director shares. “They have shaped, even indirectly, the way we perform and compose today.”

Al Botros believes that his role is to build bridges between cultures, using music as “a universal language.” He is currently working on a new orchestral choral project with fellow musician, Husam Numan. Titled “DIWAN: A Damascene Love,” this project draws inspiration from Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani.

“This concert is part of that vision,” he says of the upcoming Burnaby performance. “It celebrates Arab heritage while inviting wider audiences to discover and appreciate it.”

For more information on the concert, see:  www.musicwithoutborders.ca/event-details-registration/in-memory-of-ziad-rahbani-vancouver

For more information on Music Without Borders, see: www.musicwithoutborders.ca

For more information on Gaby Al Botros, see:  www.gabyalbotros.com