Faris Ishaq

Palestinian Nay Master, Percussionist, and Composer, charts unexplored territories with the Nay, an ancient Middle Eastern flute dating back to 5000 B.C. Rooted in his Palestinian heritage and passion for the Nay, Faris celebrates its cultural legacy in today’s modern musical landscape.

Faris is renowned for revitalizing traditional Palestinian shepherd playing, known as 'Tashbib,' while pioneering contemporary jazz. His rich and subtle use of modern folk influences with jazz highlights the Nay’s versatility. With an evocative and improvisational approach, Faris plays the Nay while simultaneously accompanying himself on leg-percussion, blending lyrical melodies, rhythmic beats, and captivating sound effects. With three albums to his credit, he has performed at prestigious festivals and venues, including Kings Place, and the Monterey, Panama and London Jazz Festivals.

Born in 1993 in Bethlehem, Palestine, Faris taught himself to play the Nay, driven by curiosity to explore its sound in diverse musical contexts. Awarded a full scholarship to study Global Jazz Music at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Faris has collaborated with Grammy Award-winning jazz artists such as John Patitucci on their single “Supplication” and has been featured as a recording artist on the new “Assassin’s Creed: Mirage 2023,” composed by Brenden Angelides and nominated for BAFTA Film Awards.