For this New Sounds, listen to works from the Near East and North Africa, in both arrangement and intent. Begin with music inspired by Marco Polo’s travels by oud player and Doctor of Byzantine musicology, Kyriakos Kalaitzidis. Then, there’s music from Kronos Quartet and an arrangement of music by Syrian singer Omar Souleyman from their latest record “A Thousand Thoughts.” Hear some music from Tunisia by percussionist Imed Alibi featuring singer Emel Mathlouthi on the tune “Maknassy."

There’s also brand-new loping Gnawa music with groove from Moroccan singer and bass lute player Hassan Hakmoun, his “Dima Dima” (Always). Sample even more music for oud by Paris-based Palestinian Adnan Joubran along with another work rooted in the oud by Belgian Karim Baggili, who has roots in Jordan. Plus, hear music from the Montreal-based trio Bomata, clearly influenced by music of the Middle-East and the Mediterranean, and more.

PROGRAM #3582 Music From the Near East and North Africa (First aired on 3/26/2014)