As a mother, I am very happy with all that my children have accomplished in this short period, and how much happiness, joy, and extra smiles I have seen on their faces every morning, so much that it's difficult for me at the end of the day to take them home. They want to spend the whole day at Al-Bustan Camp because of the familial environment and the joy that they experience. 
 
See photos from summer 2012: 
 
Watch video from summer 2011: 

Al-Bustan Camp 2011: Art & Poetry 
Al-Bustan Camp 2011: Art & Poetry

Register NOW for Al-Bustan Camp!   
July 1 to 12, 2013
Promo:  Register a friend and each family gets 10% off!

For K - 12th graders, a fun and enriching program in Arabic, art, music, drama, science and video-making.  This summer's theme is the life and times of Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum.

Scholarships available based on financial need, please contact us.
See more details about registration and schedule. 


MANY THANKS to all who joined and supported us at
Al-Bustan's 10th Anniversary Gala!


"My heart is a garden", says the song. And the garden, Al-Bustan, was founded ten years ago. I reflect upon this unique and leading edge effort. Yesterday, my body was light as a feather, and my face full of love. What is it that enticed me to cross the Atlantic, on the wings of swallows, to be with you all, my beloved?. . . .
- Marcel Khalife, April 21, 2013 

Read reflections by MARCEL KHALIFE in Arabic and English and see beautiful photos by Dana Scherer...and share your comments too! 


If you weren't able to attend and would like to support Al-Bustan, please consider making a donation!  As Marcel Khalife noted in his introductory remarks, "This garden is in need of your support, put your hands in a planting a rose, a pine cone, an almond, a cherry, and make it blossom another 10 years."


Thanks to vocalist SONIA M'BAREK
for her visit to Philadelphia and presentation
of two beautiful concerts in NYC and DC


See photos in performance with Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble

Tradition Performed With a Twist
Ms. M'barek's songs were from Tunisian poets and composers, but her music embraced cultures all around the Mediterranean. Her program matched each geographical shift with subtle changes of pitch and ornamentation. - Jon Pareles
Read review in NY Times

Listen to Live Recording of NYC Concert on WFMU


Highlights from last two concerts of our season:

Music of Lebanon:  Vocalist Rima Khcheich
"Marmar Zamani" with Rima Khcheich
"Hamilul Hawa" with Rima Khcheich

  









Roads to Damascus: A Mesmerizing Visual & Aural Journey

See Photos & Video of original compositions by visual artist Kevork Mourad and composer/cellist Kinan Abou-afach

And see photos & video of Demo at Northeast High School
Al-Bustan Arab Music Concert Series: Clips from
Al-Bustan Arab Music Concert Series: Clips from "Roads To Damascus"
  
Art & Music Demo at NEHS
Art & Music Demo at NEHS


Upcoming: 

NAAP's Annual Spring Gala 
Saturday, June 1, 7:30pm

Network of Arab American Professionals of Philadelphia
Special honored guest: 
Hazami Sayed, Al-Bustan's Executive Director
More info and purchase tickets

LiveConnections presents
Jason Vieaux + Hanna Khoury + David Ludwig  + Hafez El Ali Kotain
Friday, June 7, 7:30 pm
World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia

Al-Bustan Logo
267-809-3668