The Iraqi Maqam Ensemble is a prestigious group of musicians dedicated to the preservation and performance of the Iraqi Maqam, a traditional form of Iraqi music that is often considered one of the most refined expressions of modal music in the Middle East. The ensemble's work focuses on the complex and stirring compositions that are part of Iraq's rich musical heritage, which dates back to the Abbasid Caliphate era. The genre encompasses sophisticated vocal techniques and poetry, and a structured yet improvisational performance style, centered around maqams or musical modes.

Through their captivating releases, including "Sun of Iraq," "Classical Music from Iraq," and "Departure - Iraqi Songs of Love and Longing," the Iraqi Maqam Ensemble has brought the haunting beauty of maqam to a global audience, breathing contemporary life into a genre steeped in history. The ensemble's dedication to the art form is evident in the meticulous attention to detail in their renditions of traditional compositions. The musicians in the group hail from diverse backgrounds, united by their mastery of their instruments and the collective goal of keeping the unique cultural soundscape of Iraq alive and accessible for both new and traditional audiences. Their work serves as a bridge between Iraq’s cultural past and the evolving appreciation of world music, offering listeners a profound and moving insight through an aural journey into the heart of Iraq's musical spirit.

Genres

Middle Eastern Traditional

Latest Release

Sun of Iraq

Iraqi Maqam Ensemble

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released October 13, 2008