Ali Paris: Master of the Middle Eastern Qanun
An internationally acclaimed musician and one of the foremost qanun players of his generation, Ali Paris is celebrated for his exceptional mastery and innovative artistry on his 14th-century traditional instrument. Blending the rich traditions of Middle Eastern music with elements of Western styles, Ali has captivated audiences around the world. He has been described as an “unrivaled, unique artist” by the legendary Quincy Jones and “one of the most eclectic and diverse artists” by Grammy-winning musician Paul Simon, who attended many of Ali’s concerts at Lincoln Center in New York.
Born in Morocco, Ali began his musical education at the age of five. By the age of nine, he was discovered by Simon Shaheen, a master performer and educator of traditional Arabic music. Recognizing Ali’s potential, Shaheen mentored him as a protégé. Soon, Ali was performing in prestigious concert halls, and by eleven, he had embarked on his first European tour.
Since then, Ali has garnered numerous international accolades, including the prestigious Marcel Khalife Best Artist of the Year award, which he won for four consecutive years. His career has expanded exponentially, earning him a degree from Boston’s renowned Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. Throughout his journey, he has collaborated with an illustrious list of world-renowned artists, including the late Paco De Lucia, Buika, Alicia Keys, Bobby McFerrin, and Javier Limón.
Ali has performed at many of the world’s most esteemed venues, from the White House and the Newport and Montreux jazz festivals to the Royal Palace in Jordan, where he gave a solo performance for Queen Rania of Jordan. He has also performed as a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Philharmonic and was featured in the Grammy-winning Spanish documentary Entre2aguas, as well as the Hollywood film Noah.
Ali’s performances are distinguished by his exploration of fertile ground between Eastern and Western musical traditions, creating a powerful dialog between cultures and genres. His dedication to humanitarian causes has seen him collaborate with numerous world-class artists to support initiatives such as Doctors Without Borders, Save a Child’s Heart, and Keep A Child Alive. His work with Alejandro Sanz has also helped fund vital humanitarian projects in Africa and the Middle East.
If students walked away from one of my assemblies with one profound lesson, it would be the realization that music is not just a series of notes and rhythms but a powerful, universal language that bridges cultures, nurtures empathy, and celebrates diversity
Through the vibrant sounds of Arabic music, the unique textures of traditional instruments, and the joy of shared songs and dances, I want each child to understand that while we may come from different corners of the world, our hearts beat to the same rhythm. This rhythm, rooted in our collective human experience, reminds us that we are all connected.
—Ali Paris
In June 2023, Ali was featured in the CWM series Music on the Move at Mingei International Museum. He is deeply committed to education through his involvement with the CWM’s World Music in the Schools program, regularly visiting school partners to conduct dynamic workshops and assemblies. Through these programs, he shares the beauty and depth of Middle Eastern music and culture, providing students with an engaging introduction to Arabic music and traditions.
Watch Ali Paris performing with the Detroit-based National Arab Orchestra:
Ali Paris on stage at the Newport Jazz Festival: