Middle-Eastern Jazz Fusion is an exemplary group of musicians composed of leading Canadian jazz and world musicians: Dinuk Wijeratne, Daniel MacNeil, Chris Mitchell and Nick Halley. These talented and dynamic musicians come together for an evocative evening of Middle-Eastern fusion, mixing intricate compositions with captivating improvisations. Blending eastern and western styles, traditions and instruments in ways that will leave audiences entranced.

Middle Eastern Jazz Fusion is led by Dinuk Wijeratne. This Sri Lankan-born composer-conductor-pianist is a multi-disciplinary instrumentalist, composer, educator, and arranger. His boundary-crossing work sees him equally at home in collaborations with symphony orchestras and string quartets, Tabla players and DJs, and takes him to international venues as poles apart as the Berlin Philharmonie and the North Sea Jazz Festival. His music and collaborative work embrace the great diversity of his international background and influences.

Daniel MacNeil is a Multi-Discipline Instrumentalist (Oud, Guitar, Percussion), composer, educator, and arranger based in Halifax. Known for his work in many genres of “world music” including: Flamenco, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Brazilian, Daniel also works professionally and intimately in Western Classical, Contemporary, Fusion, Improv and in collaboration for dance accompaniment. He is the founder and Director of Halifax, Nova Scotia’s Premiere Middle Eastern Music Chamber Ensemble “Nafas”.

Drummer and world percussionist, Nick Halley has performed and recorded internationally with a wide range of musicians. In 2012, Nick was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contribution to Canada and Nova Scotia through the arts, particularly for his work with Capella Regalis Men and Boys Choir.

Engaging and innovative saxophonist, Chris Mitchell is heralded as one of Canada’s finest instrumentalists. Chris has contributed to the music scene in a number of diverse and exciting ways. Chris has toured extensively in North America, Europe and in Asia and across Canada. Currently active in various musical groups, Chris also holds the Associate Director of Music position at the Fountain School of Performing Arts, Dalhousie University in Halifax.