Qanun Taqasim

A year ago, my teacher Johnny Sarweh passed away, leaving behind a legacy of students and music in the U.S. He used to share his dreams of opening a school and starting an ensemble during our lessons. Honoring him at the last NAO concert meant the world to me, especially when we performed “Lamma Bada Yatathanna” with the Detroit Youth Choir and Jawqa. It brought back memories of when Johnny first taught me the piece, and I stumbled through a tricky section. Little did I know it would become one of NAO’s favorites. Playing it on Johnny’s qanun that night felt like everything had come full circle. Funny how life works like that.