Brooklyn Maqam is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community engagement with maqam-based music, presenting and promoting music from the Middle Eastern (especially Arabic) musical traditions, with the goals of connecting musicians and audiences, preserving the art form through education and mentorship, and providing performance opportunities for both established masters and emerging talents.

We work to bring together people who love Arabic music, and strive to build a community welcoming to people of all backgrounds, musicians and listeners alike.

Brooklyn Maqam was started in January 2018 through the efforts of our founders: Marandi Hostetter, John Murchison and Brian Prunka.  With 40+ years of combined experience in NYC's Arabic music scene, these three musicians wanted to support and grow the community, to create a welcoming environment and sense of shared purpose among musicians and listeners around this profound and important music.   

In addition, Brooklyn Maqam has received crucial artistic and advisory support from many members of the community.  We would especially like to thank Sami Abu Shumays, Johnny Farraj and Taoufik Ben Amor for their extensive guidance and assistance. 

For more information about us, please visit this page: Who We Are