Omar Faruk Tekbilek

Omar Faruk Tekbilek is one of the finest Middle Eastern musicians living in the United States . He is a virtuoso on several instruments: The ney (bamboo flute), the zurna (double-reed oboe like instrument), and the baglama (long-necked lute), as well as a masterful performer on dozens more. Faruk brilliantly interprets the Sufi, Folk, and Contemporary music of the Middle East .

Faruk, as he is familiarly called, was born in Turkey to Egyptian and Turkish parents. With a musical family to nurture his precocious talents, he went on to study with masters of Turkish music. By the age of twelve he was already performing professionally. Besides being a performer of high caliber, Faruk is also an excellent teacher and recording artist.

Faruk has widely toured the Middle East, Europe, and the United States . In 1976, he came to settle in the U.S. , and since then, he has collaborated with musicians of inter-national repute including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ofra Haza, Simon Shaheen, Don Cherry, Karl Berger, Trilok Gurtu, Jai Uttal, and Ginger Baker. But perhaps he is best known for his collaborative work with guitarist/producer Brian Keane.

Faruk's music is rooted in tradition, but has been influenced by contemporary sounds. He views his approach as "cosmic" and his commitment to music runs deep. The four corners of his creativity enumerate mysticism, folklore, romance, and imagination. Faruk is often seen as a peace messenger and he believes in collaborating with musicians of different cultures . "Music is the universal bond, our common language. I represent no nationality when I play" , he says. "Through music and dance we can reach each other, face to face. We have no differences."

Omar Faruk Tekbilek performed on the album " Aeolia " (LM001-2) by the composer Michalis Nikoloudis, published on 1995 by "LIBRA MUSIC".